Research Projects
EGI focuses our research efforts on projects identifying and leading to equitable economic growth for communities and companies. Current projects focus on microeconomics, looking at how the behaviors of programs, communities, and/or companies can accelerate economic growth for all. Through a broad spectrum of projects, our team addresses the complex nature of growth while also highlighting tangible steps and recommendations for leaders.
Direct inquiries to:
Sarah Crane
research manager
sarahrcr@umich.edu
(734) 998-0155
Current Projects
Best Practices of Equitable Economic Growth within ARPA Programs
Over a four-year grant period, the research team will work with the 50+ coalitions that were awarded funding through EDA’s Good Jobs Challenge and Build Back Better Regional Challenge to identify best practices for inclusion and equity. Learn more.
Identifying Practices of Trauma-Informed Care for More Inclusive Entrepreneurial Support Services
Through a Knowledge Challenge grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, our research will develop a model of trauma-informed care for entrepreneurial support organizations. Click here to learn more.
Clean Energy Technology Adoption Roadmap
Funded by Michigan Department of Energy, Great Lakes, and Environment, this project will identify the adoption of clean energies in the manufacturing sector with the goal of decarbonization. Our goal is to identify, evaluate and detail opportunities to accelerate adoption.
Western U.P. Tourism Economic Impact Analysis
The economic impact of tourism in the beautiful western upper peninsula is the focus of this project to inform stakeholders and local leaders as they consider future investments for regional growth.
Economic Impact Analysis of Plant Closures
The economic impact of power generation plants can be wide-reaching. Through this project, key lessons will be developed on how companies can approach economic impact analyses and best practices in utilizing the information. Report available here.
Funded by the American Camp Association, this project will measure the economic impact of the camp industry both nationally and within each state while producing the most comprehensive census of camps in the nation. Learn More.
Completed Research Projects
The Economic Growth Institute was funded by American Center for Mobility and Ralph Wilson Foundation to research the emerging workforce skills and related gaps for connected and automated vehicles (CAVs). This research report explores the workforce supporting CAVs in Southeast Michigan, specifically looking at the development and evolution of middle-skill jobs. Click here to learn more.
The Economic Growth Institute partnered with the City of Hamtramck and the Taubman College’s Michigan Engaging Community program in an evaluation of selected ethnic commercial corridors throughout the United States. The study benchmarked these commercial corridors for Hamtramck leaders so they could assess this type of economic development along with the needed support from institutions, businesses and community members. The benchmarking analysis was focused on communities similar to the Banglatown area in Hamtramck. Click here to learn more.
The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) funded EGI to study successful technology commercialization practices at public doctoral universities. The study explores the technology partnerships at universities that have received the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) Universities designation. The IEP designation recognizes institutions for their contributions to regional economic development. The result is a set of practices that can be adopted and expanded to further drive innovation and economic engagement at universities. Click here to learn more.