Mapping Oregon’s Economic Development Ecosystem

Oregon is unique given what falls inside its borders; there is a little bit of everything. The Oregon landscape ranges from coastal environments, to lush valleys, mountain ranges, forests, and deserts. Local economies are driven by diverse industries such as agriculture, forestry, tourism, manufacturing, technology, and more.

Economic development organizations, services, and practitioners across the state work to support Oregon’s economy and meet the needs of local and regional communities. Mapping the economic development ecosystem in Oregon provides an opportunity to increase awareness and collaboration across sectors and jurisdictions.

How did the study evolve?CPW Student Team

In 2019, IPRE faculty initiated discussions with representatives from OEDD (Oregon Economic Development Districts) about the potential to study Oregon’s economic development ecosystem. This work builds on statewide economic development needs assessments IPRE conducted in 2012 and 2017. After considerable discussion, a team of graduate students led by IPRE faculty member Melissa Graciosa dug into the project in 2021. The project had three objectives:

  • Define baseline data on the economic development ecosystem.
  • Provide a resource that defines roles, services, and economic development organizations at the state level and regional level.
  • Support planning for a resilient and equitable economy.

The research team quickly found out that very little research exists on economic development ecosystems. Thus, the team created a definition and a framework for the study:

An economic development ecosystem looks at how the complex network of economic development organizations, services, populations, and supporting infrastructure is interconnected and related. 

In short, viewing economic development as an ecosystem applies a systems thinking approach to the field.

What did the study find?

The IPRE research team identified 859 unique economic development organizations (EDOs)providing 1,358 services. Seventy percent of these organizations were local, 59% provide targeted and direct services, and 52% of them are non-governmental organizations. Other key findings include:

  • 41% of organizations report having one or fewer full-time staff; 76% have five or fewer
  • 76% had annual budgets of less than $500,000
  • 82% agree that EDOs must coordinate to be effective; 64% report that coordination is difficult but 84% view it as worth the effort
  • Conditions disincentivize collaboration and organizations frequently compete for funding and staff
  • Capacity and funding were identified as key barriers to collaboration
  • Complex geographies and misaligned service territories make collaboration difficult
  • EDOs want more interaction and support from the state
  • Equity, inclusion, and resilience are emerging as focal areas for many organizations
  • EDOs want to better connect with local and minority-focused community development organizations

What does IPRE recommend?

The Ecosystem Mapping project is an important first step in better understanding how economic development activities are structured in Oregon. The report is intended to inform a deeper dialog about how to best implement economic development activities in the state. IPRE made three primary recommendations:

  1. Develop and embrace strategies to link, leverage, and align actors, resources, and activities in the ecosystem
  2. Develop a shared vision for economic development and encourage stronger state and regional leadership
  3. Establish equity and inclusion as a guiding principle for economic development

This Ecosystem Mapping project is part of IPRE’s ongoing contributions to economic development in Oregon through our Economic Development Administration-funded University Center. We want to thank EDA for their continued support as well as all of the individuals and organizations that participated in this study.

You can access the report by clicking on the cover below. More information about the project is available at the Economic Development Ecosystem Mapping website.

A new era for IPRE

By Bob Parker

After 20 years, I step down today as Executive Director of the Institute for Policy Research & Engagement. I’m delighted to hand the reigns over to Dr. Rebecca Lewis and Dr. Ben Clark who will take over as co-directors and lead the organization into its third generation. Josh Bruce will serve as Associate Director of Applied Research and will take on a lot of the program development and administrative functions that I previously had. Titus Tomlinson will lead RARE into year 27 and beyond. Michael Howard, Aniko Drlik-Muehleck, and Victoria Binning will keep the programs going and Julie Foster will continue to serve as the glue that holds the entire operation together.Bob Parker

I could not have asked for a more capable team to lead the organization into the future. IPRE/CSC has been my life’s work up to now—continuing the legacy is a gift to me from the entire IPRE team. What we built is unique in higher education and stands at the intersection of the three pillars of UO’s mission: education, research, and engagement. Our work is important and impacts students, organizations, and communities throughout Oregon and beyond while making significant contributions to basic research.

It has been a privilege to lead the Institute and to be part of the larger PPPM community. While there are way more people than I have the time to thank here, I want to specifically thank Rich Margerum head of PPPM for his support and insight. Working with the dedicated faculty and staff of PPPM has been a pleasure. Interaction with elected and appointed officials and community members is in education in itself and has kept me sharp all these years. Working with the hundreds of students has been a joy.

Alas, the adventure is not yet over. Circumstances have convinced me that a phased retirement is necessary—which probably doesn’t come as a surprise. Starting tomorrow, I’ll take on a new role as Director of Strategy and Technical Solutions for IPRE.  A big part of my focus for the next two years will be on community and economic recovery from COVID-19. It’s going to be a long road to recovery and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and continue to contribute to the overall effort. Moreover, I’ll continue my work with ECONorthwest.

I’ll close with a big thanks to all my colleagues in the fields of planning and public administration. The work we do is important and underappreciated. The people who do it are dedicated, courteous, knowledgeable, and fun. I look forward to continuing the journey.