Technical Assistance

Our technical assistance aids policymakers and workforce development staff to better implement innovation and job-creation strategies by:

• Understanding the economic forces affecting regions and states
• Helping local leaders formulate knowledge-based strategies
• Developing transformational models that support knowledge-driven economic prosperity

Building On the Knowledge Economy

The Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC) uses information and data to create resources and toolkits so that state and national policymakers can evaluate, shape, and implement effective and state- and region-specific programs that promote economic development efforts.

Many of our technical-assistance efforts are aimed at: federal agencies, regional and state offices, private nonprofits, educational institutions, and sub-state regional coalitions.

While our primary area of policy expertise relates to economic development, workforce development, and education, our network extends beyond these policy areas through the Association of Public Data Users (APDU) into a variety of fields ranging from health care, criminal justice and housing, and demographics to transportation.

Related Projects

Synchronist Suite
Blane Canada Ltd.
Start Date: Mar 2021 — End Date: Ongoing

Synchronist shifted business retention away from a singular focus on community issues to include an understanding of the company and how it fits into the fabric of the community’s economy. Built on pioneering research, competitive intelligence, predictive analysis, national benchmark data, and an organizing, portfolio management principle, Synchronist Suite allows users to maximize the value […]

Building a Strong State-Federal Partnership to Support Manufacturing
National Institute of Standards & Technology – Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Start Date: Oct 2002 — End Date: Ongoing

CREC worked with several partners, including the State Science & Technology Institute, to develop a strong support structure for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) program as it seeks to help manufacturers become globally competitive.

Enhancing State and Local EDO Engagement to Support COVID-19 Recovery and Resiliency
U.S. Economic Development Administration
Start Date: Jul 2021 — End Date: Jul 2023

The U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded a 2-year $1 million grant to the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC) to support the State Economic Development Executives (SEDE) Network through technical assistance, training, and research.  CREC will work in collaboration with the National Association of Development Organizations (representing the EDA-funded economic development districts), the State International […]

National Skills Coalition Initiative
National Skills Coalition
Start Date: Jul 2021 — End Date: Sep 2022

CREC is supporting with the National Skills Coalition initiative to expand upskilling for essential workers and ensure small businesses have the talent they need to succeed. NSC aims to close racial and other equity gaps and address the demand for digital skills. CREC will design and develop state data profiles that support qualitative inquiry, peer […]

Facilitating a Manufacturing Playbook with the Pennsylvania Manufacturing Advisory Council
Team Pennsylvania
Start Date: Jul 2021 — End Date: Feb 2022

Working closely with Sparks Policy Group, CREC is supporting the work of the Pennsylvania Manufacturing Advisory Council. CREC is helping to facilitate the council meetings and working group sessions to develop recommendations on how best to strengthen manufacturing in the Commonwealth. CREC will provide supportive policy and economic research while also helping the Council members […]
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