CREC Vision & Goals

CREC was created because we believe that institutions responsible for economic development can be more effective in their efforts to create jobs for the knowledge economy. The Center helps these organizations achieve their vision by providing better information about regional economies and a framework for creating a local consensus on strategic direction.

The Center achieves its vision in three ways: (1) providing our understanding of the economic forces that impact regional and local economies, (2) assisting institutions in the formulation of knowledge-based strategies and innovative collaborative approaches, and (3) devising and implementing model programs or initiatives in support of knowledge-based economic development strategies. Following are the ways that CREC helps its clients achieve these goals:

• Conducting economic research and analysis for individual localities and regions
• Enhancing the skills of economic development practitioners and researchers to gather and analyze data through training and technical assistance
• Providing facilitated assistance to state and regional leaders in developing strategic economic development plans
• Helping economic development organizations identify and resolve organizational and board development issues
• Designing pilot programs for promoting business, workforce, and economic development
• Creating initiatives to influence demand for public services and economic development programs