Probability of Success
What is the probability that actions resulting from the project will be successful?
EDRP-Providing Communities Affordable Economic Development Research
Partners for a Strong Economy.
The mission of the Economic Development Research Program (EDRP) at Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI2) is to assist local communities by providing affordable economic development and policy research to enhance their competitive positions. EDRP’s goal is to provide communities with much-needed economic development research that they may not otherwise be able to afford. For communities who are willing to be active partners and who have a clear plan to implement the results, EDRP will provide economic development research services at a fraction of the usual cost. The types of research include strategic planning, forecasting, feasibility studies, readiness assessments, economic impact analysis, and labor market studies to name a few. The program strives to inform policy decision-making and to help governments and economic development organizations carry out their mission. All communities and/or economic development organizations are encouraged to apply. Applications are fast and easy! While some financial commitment is required, EI2 greatly reduces the costs by leveraging a grant from the EDA University Center at Georgia Tech. The local funding commitment helps extend project resources so more can be done, while also making the community a committed partner in the project.
Applications are evaluated according to four main criteria: Probability of Success, Applicant Involvement, Magnitude of Impact, and Innovation. Each carefully selected project will benefit from the skills and energies of Georgia Tech researchers with decades of experience conducting economic development research. Do you have a project that would benefit from economic development research? We encourage interested local community leaders to apply with this form.
Registration is Open
Communities and organizations are encouraged to apply at any time throughout the year. Whenever we are ready to begin a new project, all current applications on file are considered. Each time resources become available for a new project, we evaluate not only the newest projects submitted, but also consider prior suitable applications not selected at an earlier point in time.
Criteria
All EDRP applications are reviewed and judged by an independent panel of statewide economic developers. The panel then recommends to EI2 which projects should be undertaken. The following criteria are used to evaluate the merits of each request.
Criteria.
Applicant Involvement
Has the applicant indicated a willingness to become actively involved in the project during the study phase and in the follow-up and implementation phases? Higher ratings are given to higher degrees of commitment.
Magnitude of Impact
What is the expected impact in terms of capital investment, jobs created, jobs preserved, and other measures that can be quantified? Quantities should be given both in total and in relation to the economy of the affected area. If impact can not be quantified, a narrative describing anticipated benefit can be provided.
Innovation
Does the project idea show innovative thinking on how to enhance economic development? Of course, not all ideas lend themselves to new approaches, but thinking outside the box to achieve a goal is important.
State Eligibility.
This grant provides services to communities in the following states: Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida