Special reports published by the IBRC are listed in reverse chronological order below. A separate list of academic papers written by IBRC staff are listed in the Research Reservoir.
The Case for READI Regions as Official Economic Planning Regions
Aug 2025
This report recommends adopting the 15 READI regions, formed voluntarily by local governments in 2024, as the official planning regions for workforce and economic development policy.
State of Hoosier Cybersecurity 2025
Jan 2025
This report aims to equip business leaders, policymakers, law enforcement, and all Hoosiers with critical insights into the state of cybersecurity in Indiana. Building on the initial 2020 research and report, this study examines how approaches to cybersecurity have evolved since the COVID-19 pandemic.
United Way of Central Indiana's Economic Impact
Sep 2023
This report provides a detailed analysis of the economic impacts generated by the nonprofits receiving funding from the United Way in the Central Indiana region.
Indiana Childcare Workforce Analysis
Sep 2022
An exploration of childcare workforce data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as well as analysis of key findings from Early Learning Indiana's childcare workforce survey.
The State of Indiana's Housing Market, 2020
Dec 2020
This latest installment of our annual report on Indiana’s housing market explores current market conditions, the demographic drivers of housing, and the role of housing in Indiana’s economy in 2020.
State of Hoosier Cybersecurity 2020
Dec 2020
To get a more complete picture of Hoosier cyber risk planning, the Legal and Insurance working group of the Indiana Executive Cybersecurity Council, in collaboration with researchers at Indiana University and the University of Arizona, conducted this study to help explore how Indiana organizations perceive and manage cyber risks.
The State of Indiana's Housing Market, 2019
Sep 2019
This latest installment of our annual report on Indiana’s housing market explores current market conditions, the demographic drivers of housing, and the role of housing in Indiana’s economy in 2019.
Australia and the United States: State of the economic union
April 2019
Australia has a disproportionately large trade and investment relationship with the United States, as discussed in this report jointly produced by the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.
Why invest there?
Sep 2018
Foreign direct investment (FDI) may follow incentives, but incoming firms are also attracted to the presence of industry clusters and the benefits of colocation. This report explores the empirical findings, noting which regional characteristics make FDI more likely.
The State of Indiana's Housing Market
June 2018
This latest installment of our annual report on Indiana’s housing market explores current market conditions, the demographic drivers of housing, and the role of housing in Indiana’s economy in 2018.
The Economic Contributions of Indiana's Energy Industry
Feb 2018
This report, prepared for the Indiana Energy Association, presents the findings of a detailed analysis of the full economic contributions of Indiana’s 14 investor-owned energy providers.
Succeeding in International Markets
Aug 2017
Many Hoosier firms expect international business to play a growing role in their future success. This report summarizes the results of a survey of Indiana businesses on their company's international activities and the readiness of recent college graduates to operate effectively in the global economy.
The Economic Impact of Animal Agriculture in Indiana Regions: An Analysis of Existing and Prospective ProducersThis report analyzes the economic impact of livestock industries across Indiana regions, exploring how the presence of animal agriculture ripples throughout the Indiana economy.
Indiana at a Crossroad? The State of Indiana in the Trump Era
March 2017
This slide deck, prepared for the NABE Spring Conference, presents an overview of expectations for economic growth in the state, a high-level look at Indiana’s exports and foreign direct investment, and a quick take on the Carrier deal that immediately followed the 2016 presidential election.
The State of Indiana's Housing Market
Feb 2017
This latest installment of our annual report on Indiana’s housing market explores current market conditions, the demographic drivers of housing, and the role of housing in Indiana’s economy as we head into 2017.
Driving Regional Innovation: The Innovation Index 2.0
Aug 2016
The new version 2.0 of the Innovation Index includes more than 50 new variables, providing insight into the innovation capacity and innovative output of a region. This report explains how the index is constructed and calculated. The major index categories are described in detail, including the basis for why the individual measures were chosen and specifics regarding how they are calculated.
Agriculture in Indiana Counties: Exploring the Industry's Impact at the Local Level
Oct 2015
This study provides comprehensive estimates of the economic effects of agriculture in each Indiana county, as well as detailed analysis of 10 specific agricultural industries.
Global Positioning, 2015: Indiana's Export Activity
Oct 2015
This web-based publication analyzes Indiana's export trends, breaking them out by destination country and by commodity, to present a complete picture of the state’s export activity in the global economy.
Indiana's Housing Market in 2015: Back on Track
Sep 2015
This annual report explores Indiana's housing market conditions, the demographic drivers of the housing market, and the role of housing in Indiana’s economy.
Capturing the Flag 2015: Foreign Direct Investment in Indiana
Aug 2015
This web-based publication explores FDI trends nationally, in the Midwest and in Indiana using several data sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and fDi Markets.
Beyond the Farm: A State and Regional Report on the Economic Contribution of Farms, Forests and Related IndustriesThis report aims to provide comprehensive estimates of the total economic footprint of Indiana agriculture, from direct production to agriculture-related processing and manufacturing.
Indiana's Housing Market in 2014: Moving toward Stability
Dec 2014
This report explores Indiana's housing market conditions, the demographic drivers of the housing market, and the role of housing in Indiana’s economy.
Global Positioning: Indiana's Export Activity, 2014
Oct 2014
This study analyzes Indiana's export trends, breaking them out by destination country and by commodity, to present a complete picture of the state’s export activity in the global economy.
Capturing the Flag 2014: Foreign Direct Investment in Indiana
Sep 2014
This report analyzes recent historical data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis on FDI trends nationally, in the Midwest and Indiana, as well as "real-time" FDI announcements made between 2011 and 2013.
Southwest Central Indiana in Perspective: An Economic Benchmarking Analysis
Dec 2013
A major regional strategic planning effort was initiated in 2013 to identify paths to growth and prosperity for an 11-county region in Southwest Central Indiana (SWCI). This report presents data and analysis focused on key characteristics of the region’s economic and demographic performance.
Indiana's Housing Market 2013: On the Rise
Nov 2013
Existing home sales in Indiana increased in 2012, and the state’s housing market is off to an even stronger start this year.
U.S. and Indiana Trade Patterns with the BRICS Countries and Other (Often Overlooked) Emerging MarketsMuch attention is given to the dynamism of five large and rapidly growing emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. This analysis assessed these countries’ growth in imports from the U.S. and Indiana and added a set of emerging markets that may rival the BRICS in terms of export growth potential.
Global Positioning: State of Indiana's Export Activity, 2013
Aug 2013
This study analyzes Indiana's export trends, breaking them out by destination country and by commodity, to present a complete picture of the state’s export activity in the global economy.
Capturing the Flag 2013: Foreign Direct Investment in Indiana
June 2013
This report analyzes recent historical data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis on FDI trends nationally, in the Midwest and Indiana, as well as "real-time" FDI announcements made between 2010 and 2012.
Agriculture's Bounty: The Economic Contribution of Agriculture
May 2013
This report tells the tale of Indiana’s agriculture production trends, the changing dynamics of the agriculture industry and its economic impact.
Innovation Partnership Networks in the Midwest: A Pilot Project of the Federal Laboratory Consortium MidwestThis pilot study documents the network of Midwestern federal labs and different types of technology-based economic development entities, making recommendations on how to strengthen the relationships needed to expand the commercialization of technologies developed in federal labs.
Natural Gas, Unnatural Prices: How SNG and Artificially High Natural Gas Prices Will Affect Indiana's EconomyThis report presents estimates of the Indiana employment and economic output effects of artificially high natural gas prices due to the production of substitute natural gas (SNG).
Mind the Gap: Identifying Opportunities for Export Expansion in Indiana
Sep 2012
In order to address the question of how to expand exports even more, we investigated which industries may be under-exporting and identified over a thousand small and medium-sized enterprises that may benefit from policies and programs to encourage companies to export.
A Look at the Indiana Housing Market in 2011
Sep 2012
This report, prepared for the Indiana Association of REALTORS, explores Indiana's market conditions, demographic fundamentals and the impact of housing in the broader economy.
Major Unemployment: How Academic Programs of Study Affect Hoosier Unemployment Patterns
Aug 2012
This research brief explores the potential effect of academic majors on unemployment dynamics (the risks of becoming unemployed and the likely duration of unemployment). It found that graduates' choice of academic major can greatly influence the probability of becoming unemployed during a severe economic downturn.
Global Positioning: Indiana's 2011 Export Data and Trends
July 2012
This report details the goods and agricultural commodities that Indiana produces and sells overseas, and includes a brief section highlighting export activity to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Capturing the Flag: Foreign Direct Investment in Indiana
May 2012
This report analyzes recent historical data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis on FDI trends nationally, in the Midwest and Indiana, as well as "real-time" FDI announcements made between 2009 and 2011.
Cultivating Trade: The Economic Impact of Indiana's Agricultural Exports
Apr 2012
This report details the economic benefits of agricultural exports on the Indiana economy. It first provides a profile of the state’s agricultural production and export trends, followed by the results of an economic impact analysis that captures the broad economic effects of agricultural exports.
How Education Pays: The Work Outcomes of Indiana's Postsecondary Graduates
Nov 2011
This report documents how postsecondary education affects work and income outcomes. It attempts to answer several questions: What are the work outcomes of all postsecondary graduates from Indiana’s public colleges and universities one year and five years following graduation? In what industries are graduates employed? How do these employment patterns vary by degree level, gender, race and time?
Benchmarking Kokomo
Nov 2011
The Kokomo, IN, region has witnessed significant changes in its economic composition over the past 10 years. In preparation for a major initiative to foster regional transformation, Indiana University Kokomo (IUK) commissioned this study examining these changes to provide context and stimulate discussion among the region’s leaders and the public.
A Look Inside the 2011 Bloomington Economy
Nov 2011
This report provides a useful tool for those wanting to understand the key characteristics of the Bloomington economy. This study examines local demographic, housing, education, employment and income trends, placing them within the context of similar communities around the nation and state.
The Importance of Being Educated: Wage Benefits for Indiana's Adult Students
Oct 2011
This report looks at the wage gains attained by adult students at Indiana's two-year institutions for various levels of educational pursuit and educational attainment.
A Look at the Indiana Housing Market in 2010
Oct 2011
This report, prepared for the Indiana Association of REALTORS, explores Indiana's market conditions, demographic fundamentals and the impact of housing in the broader economy.
Building National Security: The Economic Impact of Indiana's Defense Industry
Oct 2011
This report reveals that, even though the national economy has struggled throughout the last decade, the State of Indiana has quietly established itself as an environment where defense-related companies are thriving.
Navigating Change: Exploring New Career Pathways in an Evolving Labor Market
Oct 2011
Given restructuring in the auto industry, many displaced workers need help to find suitable alternative jobs. The research documented in this report provides a new technique to find occupations that require similar skills and an easily understandable measure to communicate the estimated time needed to transition between occupations. The two-step pathway cluster and skills gap analyses developed in this study offer valuable guidance to displaced workers charting pathways to new career opportunities.
Orange County Benchmarking and Target Industry Analysis: Spotlight on a Changing Region
Sept 2011
This study follows up on the last major benchmarking analysis of Orange County’s economy five years ago. In the interim, the county has experienced major improvements to the French Lick Resort, the West Baden Springs Hotel and numerous other businesses marking a significant resurgence in the Valley area.
Global Positioning: Indiana's Exports and Foreign Direct Investment
Sept 2011
This international report presents data and trends for Indiana exports and foreign direct investment (FDI) activity in the state and explore the extent of Indiana’s global engagement. Additionally, in this year’s report, there is a focus on trade and investment linkages between the European Union and Indiana.
Indiana's Life Sciences Industry: 2002-2010: Tracking Progress and Charting the Course for Continued SuccessThis BioCrossroads report, developed in a partnership with the IBRC, assesses where Indiana stands nationally in the life sciences industry as of December 2010 and documents progress the state has made in this dynamic industry.
Green Jobs in Indiana: Employment Prospects in the Green Economy
July 2011
Many economists, workforce analysts and policymakers across the nation assert that the burgeoning green economy may provide new job opportunities, but traditional sources of information on industries and occupations are not specific enough to accurately measure the number of green jobs in the economy. Indiana conducted a statewide green jobs survey to provide a benchmark for the number and characteristics of green jobs in the state.
Driving Workforce Change: Regional Impact and Implications of Auto Industry Transformation to a Green EconomyThis report explores how the auto industry is evolving, the impacts that is having on automakers and the supply chain, and alternative career pathways for the displaced workforce.
The Economic Impact of Kosciusko County's Orthopedics Industry
April 2011
Kosciusko County’s orthopedic industry cluster makes a significant contribution to the regional and state economy. This report outlines the contributions this industry makes in terms of economic output, employment and government revenues.
The Economic Contribution of the Department of the Navy Technology Transfer Program (Executive Summary)
October 2010
This is the 2-page executive summary handout from Department of the Navy Technology Transfer Program report.
The Economic Contribution of the Department of the Navy Technology Transfer Program (Full Report)
October 2010
Technology transfer (T2) agreements can have significant economic benefits in the civilian sector, especially for small, entrepreneurial start-up companies that are the backbone for innovation and economic growth.
Crossing the Next Regional Frontier: Information and Analytics Linking Regional Competitiveness to Investment in a Knowledge-Based EconomyThis report developed practical tools and frameworks to help guide economic development strategy and decision making for regions throughout the United States, especially rural regions where strategic support is often lacking. It includes development of the Innovation Index, occupation cluster analysis and guidelines for regional investment.
Richmond Indicators: A Community and Economic Benchmark Report
Oct 2009
The Wayne County Foundation and Indiana University East partnered with the Indiana Business Research Center (IBRC) at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business to prepare a report on Richmond area community and economic indicators. This report provides a detailed account of the Richmond area by examining local demographic, housing, education, employment and income characteristics. The analysis also compares Richmond’s performance on several key indicators to that of a peer set of similar communities from around the nation and the state.
Indiana's Global Exports: Report for 2009
Aug 2009
This study for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation reports on Indiana export trends and patterns, broken out by destination country and by commodity, comparing Indiana to other states in the process.
Foreign Direct Investment in Indiana: Report for 2009
July 2009
Despite possible warning signs in financial and credit markets in 2007, global foreign direct investment (FDI) hit a record high of $1.8 trillion, according to the United Nations. Many observers, however, expect the global economic crisis will undercut the growth of FDI in 2008 and 2009.
The Economic Impact of Eli Lilly and Company in Indiana
June 2009
Eli Lilly and Company has a significant impact on both the size and the growth rate of the Indiana economy and the Indianapolis-Carmel metropolitan statistical area (MSA), which contains its headquarters and many of its facilities. Lilly has also had a significant impact on direct, indirect and induced employment in the state, ranking as one of Indiana’s largest employers and supporting additional jobs in other firms by a rate of nearly 2-to-1.
IU Impact Study, 2008
May 2009
The IBRC conducted an extensive analysis of the economic benefits of the Indiana University system on the state of Indiana and of IU’s eight campuses on the regions they serve. The resulting reports present IU’s core activities related to education and research as well as the economic benefits of collateral activities such as university spending associated with its core mission or the economic value of, for example, the service-learning that mobilizes students to work for free in the community. The study adopted a rigorous methodology to provide a realistic assessment of the many dimensions of IU’s economic footprint.
Indiana's Life Science Industries
April 2009
This report, produced for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation aims to provide an overview of Indiana’s position in this field by examining four aspects of the life sciences. The first section presents information on the employment, typical wages and output of Indiana firms engaged in life science industries. The second section offers a different perspective on life science employment by analyzing occupation-level data. The final two sections observe Indiana’s position in the global marketplace with a look at the state’s life science-related foreign exports and the direct investment of foreign companies in Indiana.
The Economic Footprint of Indiana's Community Health Centers
Mar 2009
This report presents the economic footprint of Indiana’s state-supported Community Health Centers (CHCs). The study was commissioned by the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and the Indiana Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA) and conducted by the Indiana Business Research Center (IBRC) of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. In addition to the economic footprint of CHC spending on goods, services and compensation, the IBRC also estimated the value of non-monetary gifts-in-kind and CHC related volunteer service based on a survey of CHC directors.
The Effect of Regulated Livestock Operations on Property Values in Selected Indiana Counties
Sep 2008
This report presents the findings of a research project designed to answer the question: does proximity to a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) or a confined feeding operation (CFO) affect property values? It was conducted on behalf of the Indiana Soybean Alliance.
Indiana's Global Exports: Report for 2008
July 2008
This study for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation reports on Indiana export trends and patterns, broken out by destination country and by commodity, comparing Indiana to other states in the process.
Foreign Direct Investment in Indiana: Report for 2008
Mar 2008
This report to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation analyzes Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) activity in Indiana, the U.S. and the world. FDI in Indiana is examined by sector and by country of origin.
The Economic Impact of Libraries in Indiana
Nov 2007
The Indiana State Library commissioned the Indiana Business Research Center at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business to measure the economic benefits of Indiana’s public libraries. In contrast to most other studies that have attempted to measure the economic impact of public libraries, this study also focused on the role that public libraries play in supporting business and economic development in their communities
Indiana's Global Exports: Report for 2007
Sept 2007
This study for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation reports on Indiana export trends and patterns, broken out by destination country and by commodity, comparing Indiana to other states in the process.
A Look Inside the Bloomington Economy 2007
June 2007
The IBRC conducts research periodically for the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation profiling the economy of the Bloomington area and benchmarking it against comparable cities in Indiana and around the nation.
Foreign Direct Investment in Indiana: Report for 2007
Feb 2007
This report to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation analyzes Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) activity in Indiana, the U.S. and the world. FDI in Indiana is examined by sector and by country of origin.
Unlocking Rural Competitiveness: The Role of Regional Clusters
Jan 2007
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) funded research to develop a model that can be used by America's rural communities. Indiana was chosen as one of only two grantees in the nation. The overall purpose of this new study was to develop a database and methodology to help rural areas in the United States assess their regional economic competitiveness to support growth and development strategies.
Orange County Benchmarking and Target Industry Analysis
April 2006
At the request of the Orange County Economic Development Partnership, the IBRC conducted a study to profile the economy of Orange County, Indiana, and to benchmark its performance against other comparable counties. This study was also designed to identify industries the OCEDP could consider targeting in its development efforts.
Indiana's Global Exports: Report for 2006
Mar 2006
This study for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation reports on Indiana export trends and patterns, broken out by destination country and by commodity, comparing Indiana to other states in the process.
Economic Impact of the New Reid Hospital
Feb 2006
This study estimates the economic impact of the new Reid Hospital on the seven-county region consisting of Wayne, Randolph, Henry, Fayette and Union counties in Indiana; and Darke and Preble counties in Ohio.
Lake County Government Finance Study
Mar 2005
This IBRC study, sponsored by a consortium of private and public entities, was prompted by calls for increased efficiency in all levels of local government, including cities and towns, the county, townships, school systems, libraries and a variety of special taxing units in Lake County. This study provides insight into two key issues: impacts following the 2003 property reassessment and government efficiency. Along with others, this study played a role in the evolution of the Good Government Initiative, which was spearheaded by U.S. Representative Pete Visclosky.
The Bloomington Economy 2004
Dec 2004
The IBRC conducts research periodically for the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation profiling the economy of the Bloomington area and benchmarking it against comparable cities in Indiana and around the nation.