Research

The Economic Development Institute conducts research on Alabama economic development policy and practice, specializing in rural community and economic development.

There are a number of other organizations that conduct research in the field and produce technical and academic work. To make the research useful to the economic development community, the Economic Development Institute attempts to collect, analyze, and interpret this information and supply practical application.

Current Projects:

• Crossroads and Connections: Strategies for Rural Alabama

  To download the paper click here.

• Beyond the Interstate: The Crisis in Rural Alabama

  To download the paper click here.

• Taking Advantage of the Hyundai Opportunity: Suggestions for Negotiating with Korean Companies

  To download the paper click here.

• Alabama Economic Development Survey Project

The Economic Development Institute has partnered with several external organizations --the Economic Development Association of Alabama, the Alabama League of Municipalities, the Association of County Commissions of Alabama, and the Alabama Association of Regional Councils -- to develop and administer this project.

2006 Alabama Local Economic Development Survey

2001 Alabama Local Economic Development Survey

For information contact:
      Dr. Joe Sumners
      (334) 844-4704
      sumneja@auburn.edu

• Civil Economics Project, Kettering Foundation

  The purpose of this project is to conduct a civil economics research project focusing on community development efforts in Uniontown, Alabama. Specifically, the Economic Development Institute is addressing two questions as they relate to Uniontown: 1) Can civil society be strengthened? and 2)What impact does community building have on the economy?

  For information contact:
        Dr. Joe Sumners
        (334) 844-4704
        sumneja@auburn.edu

• Alternate Paths for Rural Economic Development

  Each community has inherent strengths and weaknesses related to its unique history, location, and environment. There is no one size-fits-all approach to rural economic development. This research examines alternate strategic planning models for rural communities.

  For information contact:
       Mike Easterwood
       (334) 844-5394
       easterm@auburn.edu
  

• Economic Impact of Rural Electric Competition in Alabama

  You may download this publication by clicking here.

• Industrial Subsidies in Alabama: Economic Impact Across Counties

  You may download this publication by clicking here.

Publications

		Beyond the Interstate: The Crisis in Rural Alabama
		Crossroads and Connections: Strategies for Rural Alabama
		Supporting Alabama's Economy
		I-85 Asset Inventory
		Listening to Rural Alabama: A Report on Alabama Rural Prosperity Forums