Regional Economic Development

Major socio-economic shifts related to globalization and technological change are affecting the ability of many small towns and rural places to maintain productive and sustainable economies. Rural economies are particularly taxed in adapting to these changes because of their small size, geographic isolation, low population density, lack of employment diversification, and traditional dependence on natural-resource based industries and routine manufacturing. The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development works with key partners across the country and the other Regional Rural Development Centers to address these issues.  In addition to emphasizing entrepreneurship and self-employment strategies (see the separate link), The Center is widely-known for its work on Targeted Regional Economic Development.