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RESEARCH REPORTS

The following documents are in PDF format.  Click to download Adobe Acrobat Reader.


REPORT: Independent Report Now Available (PDF).
Independent Report Now Available on “EDA’s Construction Grants Program Impact Assessment”


REPORT: The Gulf Coast: Economic Recovery Two Years after the Hurricanes (PDF).
December 2007 Prepared by the Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA), U.S. Department of Commerce

WEB SITE: Using USA Counties and Metros Side by Side http://www.stats.indiana.edu/uspr/a/sbs_profile_frame.html
USA Counties IN Profile is a component of STATS Indiana, a web service of the Indiana Business Research Center at Indiana University, an EDA research partner. USA Counties IN Profile provides a selection of federal economic and demographic indicators, updated throughout the year as new data are released from the various sources. USA Counties IN Profile provides current federal statistics on a variety of demographic and economic indicators. Read "About the Profile" for the best understanding of the data, ranks and computations.


REPORT: Regionalism and Clusters for Local Development Needs Assessment Results (PDF).
As part of the Curriculum development grant, EDA required Western Carolina University to survey practitioners, including EDA EDD professionals, to establish practitioner priorities, their perception and use of concepts relating to clustering and regionalism, and their training needs to develop improved economic development strategies (CEDS). An EDA funded initiative, the attached report is the summary of their findings. Conducted by Western Carolina University’s Institute for the Economy and the Future, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Regional Economics Applications Laboratory, and ACCRA, January 2007.




REPORT: Know Your Region: New Website Launced - Report Released.
Recent decades have spurred dramatic demographic and economic global changes that are profoundly affecting cities and regions across the United States. For development practitioners, this means they must have a greater understanding of their region and its linkages to the surrounding areas and the Global Economy. However, unfortunately, in many regions across the nation, development professionals have not fully maximized the opportunities afforded by regional solutions. The "Know Your Region" project is designed to address this discontinuity by developing and disseminating curriculum that enables practitioners to understand and apply core concepts of regionalism and industry cluster development. Go to the http://www.knowyourregion.org site for more information on the ongoing data updates.




REPORT: Unlocking Rural Competitiveness: The Role of Regional Clusters (PDF). This EDA-funded report by Purdue and Indiana University sought to develop a database and method to assess regional economic competitiveness in rural areas of the United States. The research was organized into two major projects: Project 1 was built a comprehensive database for cluster studies, Project 2 uses the database developed in Project 1 to analyze the cluster structure of regions. Go to the http://www.ibrc.indiana.edu/innovation/data.html site for more information on the ongoing data updates.




REPORT: EDA RLFs: Planning, Local Structural Change, and Overall Performance (summary) (PDF). This report is the product of EDA’s FY 1998 commission to evaluate its Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program. This comprehensive study highlights the extent to which EDA RLF grants achieve their goals in the targeted areas. The study was conducted by the Rutgers University Center for Urban Policy Research. In addition to a summary, the volumes include (all PDF):

The Impact of Planning on EDA RLF Performance Pages 1-50, Pages 51-100, Pages 101-150, Pages 151-192

The Impact of EDA RLF Loans on Economic Restructuring Pages 1-75, Pages 76-150, Pages 151-225, Pages 226-300, Pages 301-340

EDA RLFs – Performance Evaluation Pages 1-75, Pages 76-150, Pages 151-225, Pages 226-298




REPORT: A Resource Guide for Technology-based Economic Development: Positioning Universities as Drivers, Fostering Entrepreneurship, Increasing Access to Capital. (PDF). This report identifies key elements critical to building a technology-based economy and is intended to serve as a practical resource guide for new and experienced practitioners, policymakers, elected officials and the media. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, by the State Science and Technology Institute, August 2006.




REPORT: U.S. Department of Commerce: A Survey of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita Contracts and Grants,July 2006 (PDF). This is the final report of OIG’s survey of Department of Commerce contracts and financial assistance awards made in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.




REPORT: Measuring Regional Innovation - A Guidebook for Conducting Regional Innovation Assessments (PDF). In a global economy, U.S. regions can no longer primarily compete based on their natural resource endowment, low cost labor, or tax incentives. Instead, regional prosperity depends upon a region’s capacity to support innovative firms, institutions, and people. The first step in building an innovation-based economic development strategy is assessing the regional innovation environment. This guidebook has been created to help regions take this first step. It outlines a process for collecting data on key measures of innovation that can then be used to drive regional economic development policies and programs. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, by the Council on Competitiveness.




REPORT: Measuring Broadband’s Economic Impact - Final Report - #99-07-13829 (PDF). Prepared for the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, by the National Technical Assistance, Training, Research, and Evaluation Project, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Carnegie Mellon University, February, 2006.




REPORT: Small Businesses are the drivers of inner city economies and job growth, according to a new study, State of the Inner City Economies: Small Businesses in the Inner City, released by the Office of Advocacy, October 2005. The study is the result of a larger project undertaken by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) and partially funded by the Office of Advocacy. Other funders include the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation - NOTE: this link will direct you to the SBA website for the press release and full report.




REPORT: Report on "A Symposium for 21st Century Economic Development". (PDF). On September 22, 2005, EDA, in partnership with Penn State University, held "A Symposium for 21st Century Economic Development" in Arlington, Virginia. Several notable speakers, including Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour and Toyota Motor North America Senior Vice President Dennis Cuneo, delivered presentations on critical economic development issues. EDA and Penn State are proud to present the post-conference report PDF (44pgs, 1.81MB), as well as a video conference abstract, and written, audio and video transcripts of the symposium available at http://www.pspb.org/edaconf/


Summary Report for the Economic Development Administration on the 2004 Series of Regional Economic Development Forums

This report is divided into five parts. Following the executive summary, there is a section that contains summary reports of each forum. There is a section that contains the forum agendas, a section with the speaker biographical information for each forum, and a section with the business profiles (for the final 10 forums only). Prepared by The National Association of Development Organizations Research Foundation (NADO), a component of the Economic Development Information Coalition (EDIC). EDA Award Number: 99-06-07492 September 29, 2004

Click Here for the Full EDA and U.S. Economic Distress 1965-2000 Report (191 pages, PDF)

Economic Studies of the Economic Development Administration: An Annotated Bibliography,1995--2001

This annotated bibliography describes 132 economic research, evaluation, and technical assistance reports funded by the agency. The reports are available from EDA or the National Technical Information Service. EDA, 2001.

Assessing the Economic Impact of Ecotourism Developments on the Albemarle/Pamlico Region
Three development projects in eastern North Carolina are examined to determine the insights they provide for other regions with ecotourism potential. The study was drawn from a survey of visitors to the three ecotourist attractions during the summer of 2000. East Carolina University, 2001.

Cluster Based Economic Development: A Key to Regional Competitiveness
This summary describes a framework for regional economic development based on the recognition that healthy regional economies are composed of industry clusters including their supporting economic infrastructure. [For the complete report contact RNTA at 202-482-4085.] Information Design Associates, 1997.(Jim Gollub is now with ICF Consulting, Global Economic Development Practice, San Francisco, CA)

Competitiveness in Rural U.S. Regions: Learning and Research Agenda
This report summarizes a selective, interpretative review of the literature on the economic performance, the composition and evolution of rural economies in the United States, the nature of the business environment in rural regions, and evidence on the role of clusters in these areas. Harvard Business School, 2004.

Cost Per Job Associated with EDA Investments in Urban and Rural Areas
This study examines two data sets on infrastructure construction projects funded by EDA that were completed in 1990 and 1993. Findings are inconclusive. For 1993 projects, the average cost per job is slightly lower in rural areas than in urban areas. For 1990 projects, the average cost per job is almost three times higher in rural areas than urban. However, the latter finding can be considered more significant and reliable due to the substantially larger size of the 1990 data set. Pennsylvania State University, 2002.

Defense Adjustment Infrastructure Bonds: Credit Enhancement Grants Make Affordable Capital Available
Military base conversions require substantial capital investment. EDA credit enhancement grants-with a state, local or municipal pledge or guarantee, or bond insurance or letter of credit-will help provide affordable, investment-grade capital for redevelopment. Commonwealth Development Associates, Inc., 1998.

Evaluating Business Development Incentives
The use of incentives to attract and retain businesses has become increasingly controversial. This report provides a basic framework for analyzing an individual project, evaluating a single program, or reviewing all programs and projects in an agency's portfolio. National Association of State Development Agencies et al., 1999.

Evaluation of EDA's Planning Program: Economic Development Districts
EDA's Economic Development District (EDD) Planning Program supports 323 districts to facilitate economic development strategies in their communities by providing funds for planning and guidelines to help guide the planning process. This analysis of the EDD planning process describes the impact of EDA's program, highlights the similarities and differences among the EDDs and EDA regions, and considers the EDDs' relationship with EDA. Wayne State University, 2002.

An Evaluation of EDA's University Center Program
EDA funds 69 university centers in 45 states and Puerto Rico for the support of local and regional economic development. The program seeks to improve the economies and development capacity of the center service areas, with emphasis on economically distressed communities. This evaluation examined a number of program features, including center effectiveness, distressed-area targeting, and utilization of university resources. Mt. Auburn Associates, 2001.

From Barracks to Business: The M.I.T. Report on Base Redevelopment
Using a case-study approach, the MIT Project on Base Redevelopment undertook a nationwide study of how local communities responded when the federal government closed their bases. This report summarizes the study's findings. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2000.

A Governor's Guide to Cluster-Based Economic Development
In partnership with the Council on Competitiveness, the NGA conducted a year-long effort to help governors develop economic strategies for the global marketplace. States must exploit the unique advantages to be found in their local "clusters of innovation." To help these clusters thrive, this guide aims to help both governors and other officials and practitioners navigate the extensive literature on clusters and integrate their concepts into state economic development policy. National Governors Association, 2002.

Identifying Technology Infrastructure Needs in America's Distressed Communities: A Focus on Information and Communications Technology
How can information and communications technologies help distressed communities advance economically and cross the "digital divide"? This report's general conclusion is that these technologies offer great promise for distressed communities if the right local ingredients are in place. Even then, some of the worst-off communities will still struggle to find a place in the new economy of the 21st century. University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 2002.

Innovative Local Economic Development Programs
The 25 case studies of local projects provide real-life examples of cutting-edge and innovative practices for local economic development practitioners. Seven types of initiatives are represented in the collection. Georgia Institute of Technology et al., 1999.

Local Technical Assistance Program Evaluation

This program evaluation examines the ways in which EDA's Local Technical Assistance Program helps communities solve specific problems, respond to economic development opportunities, and build or expand local capacity in distressed areas. Bowling Green State University, 2003.

Older Central Counties in the New Economy
Older central counties-like Cleveland's Cuyahoga-contain a substantial portion of the nation's population and productive resources. They actually contain more than their expected share of high-tech and advanced-services employment. How should these mature counties approach spatial planning in the New Economy? Case Western Reserve University, 2001.

Socioeconomic Data for Economic Development: An Assessment
This assessment examines data users' needs, the extent to which these needs are being met by data providers, recommends ways they can be better met, and provides useful information to economic development practitioners about data sources and uses. Andrew Reamer & Joseph Cortright, 1999.

Strategic Planning for Economic Development
This review and evaluation of EDA's local planning program makes recommendations that would increase the benefits of the regional planning process and enhance economic development capacity at the local level. Corporation for Enterprise Development, 1999.

Strategic Planning in the Technology-Driven World: A Guidebook for Innovation-Led Development
Based on "best practices" from across the United States, this guidebook is designed to help economic development practitioners adopt a realistic, principles-based approach to strategic planning, one that is applicable to areas with widely different technology assets. Collaborative Economics et al., 2001.

Studies in Success: Strategies for Business Diversification Developed by Three Oklahoma Tribes
This brief report describes three diversified tribal economies and the common characteristics that contributed to their success: (1) willingness to work with the local non-Indian community, (2) tribal governmental stability, (3) willingness to waive tribal sovereignty under certain circumstances, (4) a long-range development strategy, and (5) willingness to invest tribal funds and accept a certain level of risk. Oklahoma Institute of Indian Heritage, 2002.

Technology and Grit at the Grassroots: information technology, community engagement, and jobs in distressed rural communities
Computers and the Internet offer fresh prospects for rural America. This guidebook identifies and explores effective technology-led economic development strategies for distressed rural communities. Specific guidance is distilled from 14 case studies. Additional success stories can be found on the grantee's Web site at www.smallcommunities.org. National Center for Small Communities, 2002.

Technology Transfer and Commercialization: Their Role in Economic Development
This study has been prepared to aid and inform economic development practitioners seeking to promote technology transfer and commercialization, so they can understand and realistically assess the potential for technology-based development in their respective areas.

Universities and the Development of Industry Clusters
This research focuses on the key role universities can play in cluster-based economic development, establishes a foundation for a critical review of that role, and assesses the factors that are vital to successful university-industry cluster development. Carnegie Mellon University, 2004.

EcoIndustrial Development: A Strategy for Building Sustainable Communities
This report reviews the interdisciplinary literature on industrial ecology theory and practice. It discusses the concept of ecoindustrial development, defining its meaning, function, and range of applications in the economic and community development context. Mary Schlarb, Cornell University, 2001.

The Importance of Quality of Life in the Location Decisions of New Economy Firms
Traditionally, location decisions of firms have been driven by such factors as land and labor costs and access to materials and markets. This literature review and pilot study suggest that quality of life is becoming increasingly important in business location decisions, particularly for New Economy firms that are less tied to the traditional location factors. David Salvesen and Henry Renski, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 2002.

Internet-Based Commerce: Implications for Rural Communities
This report examines how Internet-based commerce is likely to affect rural economies. It identifies challenges to rural economies, including tribal lands. It goes on to describe strategies that are available to rural communities to facilitate electronic commerce. John C. Leatherman, Kansas State University, 2000.

Internet-Based Economic Development for Rural Communities
Both the promise and actual implementation of rural high-speed Internet access have increased greatly in recent years. However, obtaining these technologies is not a simple matter; careful choices and large investments are needed. This report is a guidebook for practitioners who would negotiate the important decisions leading to rural broadband deployment. Iowa State University, 2001.

Knowledge Management as an Economic Development Strategy
In the information economy, success comes from harnessing the information and knowledge assets of a community and from helping local businesses succeed in the new environment. Knowledge Management is a set of techniques and tools that can help economic development practitioners accomplish that task. Kenan Patrick Jarboe, Athena Alliance, 2001.

New Growth Theory, Technology and Learning: A Practitioner's Guide
The increasing returns associated with knowledge have many implications for economic development policy. This report underscores the importance of investing in new knowledge creation to sustain growth. Joseph Cortright, Impresa, Inc., 2001.

Promoting Economic Development by Improving Transportation Infrastructure for Goods Movement
Trade is a crucial factor in today's economy. For trade and related activities to take place successfully, goods movement must be as efficient as possible. This study examines four main types of transportation infrastructure and the aspects of economic development they affect: highways, ports, distribution facilities, and intermodal connectors. Also, four case studies are used to illustrate how transportation planning for goods movement influences economic development strategies. Lewison Lem, Jack Faucett Associates, 2002

Public-Private Partnerships and State and Local Economic Development: Leveraging Private Investment
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are now a standard, if not completely understood, concept in business and state and local economic development. This report is intended to provide economic development practitioners an overview of key findings from the vast literature and practice on the use and effectiveness of PPPs as applied to two major types of economic development efforts: (a) those ongoing activities aimed at improving the "business climate" and marketing of a jurisdiction and (b) those formed to develop real estate projects. Stephen P. Mullin, Econsult Corporation, 2002.

Reclamation and Economic Regeneration of Brownfields
This review identifies common themes and distills lessons from more than a decade of intense efforts by practitioners to redevelop idle brownfield properties. Focusing on redevelopment for commercial and industrial purposes, it examines the role of local, state, and federal economic development organizations in promoting redevelopment. Peter B. Meyer and H. Wade Van Landingham, E.P. Systems Group, Inc., 2000.

Rural Knowledge Clusters: The Challenge of Rural Economic Prosperity
Industry clusters have become a popular device for organizing economic development efforts. General evidence from rural clusters suggests that localized knowledge in people and institutions may be an instrumental factor behind their success in overcoming disadvantages of rural location. This is supported by further specific evidence from three innovative rural Minnesota industry clusters described in the report. Lee W. Munnich, Jr., et al., University of Minnesota, 2002.


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