Economic development planners seek to enable communities, larger regions, and states gain and
sustain long-term economic health and well-being. Within the context of rapid changes in technology
and the inexorable trend toward economic globalization, areas that will have the capacity to spawn,
grow, or attract innovative and efficient enterprises will be those that will thrive in the twenty-first century.
By strategically using a variety of interventions and programs, economic development planners can
improve the mix of jobs and industries, increase the productivity and competitiveness of existing
establishments, increase entrepreneurial activity, better match employer skill needs with the supply
of skills of the resident workforce, and enhance the sustainable economic development capacity of
cities and regions.

The scale and scope of economic development planning varies from the sketching, feasibility analysis,
implementation, and evaluation of site-specific projects, to the visioning, articulation, and programming
of regional development goals, policies, and strategies. Jobs and careers are in economic development
authorities, chambers of commerce, public-private partnerships, consulting firms, public sector planning
agencies, non-profit advocacy groups, foundations, utility companies, and think tanks.

The primary objective of the economic development focus area is to provide students with the knowledge
and know-how needed to perform at the cutting edge of economic development practice in this rapidly
changing field. We also emphasize providing a solid conceptual and methodological foundation of how
and why the economies of communities and regions change. With this foundation the economic
development professional can continue to grow and learn over a lifelong career.

Location The Research Triangle area represents a rich laboratory for the study of successful economic development and technological development strategies.  There are also innovative and experimental strategies for rural economic development underway in nearby areas of North Carolina.

European exchange program The economic development faculty and students have participated in an exchange program with the Vienna University of Economics and Business in Austria since the mid-1980s.  Students who elect to take advantage of spending a semester at the Vienna University of Economics and Business are able to observe at close hand the fascinating process of regional economic restructuring in Eastern Europe and to consider their implications for regions in Western Europe and in the United States.

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Urban laboratory
Although Chapel Hill is a small town, students have a variety of opportunities to get involved in the
planning process.  Chapel Hill is situated in one of the fastest-growing regions of the country, which
creates many local and regional planning dilemmas.