Research and development are often characterized as the lifeblood for sustaining and growing many industries. Taken to the next level, the R&D combination is critical for a state – and even a nation – to thrive.

The Indiana Chamber Foundation has been focused on the state research part of the equation for four decades with many significant reports and analyses over the past 25 years. Development then takes place in the form of policies or programs that help address the questions or challenges that are documented through the study process.

The topics range from education and workforce development efforts, for example, to tax policy and economic competitiveness. Securing energy resources as part of that economic future was the focus on an in-depth study in late 2020.

In 2019, two-page summaries/updates to three key initiatives were published. Each of the topics remains timely and relevant with additional investments (water infrastructure) and improvements (VCI tax credit) in the 2021 Indiana General Assembly session and today’s release (see video at the top of the email) of the most recent Indiana Vision 2025 Report Card.

The two-pagers include:

Making Water Work: Research Continues to Drive Long-Term Planning – An engaged advisory council and a collaborative approach were among the keys to a 2014 study that continues to yield significant impact on the way to a long-term water resources plan.

Indiana Venture Capital Study: Then and Now – Tracks Indiana’s nearly two-decade history with the venture capital investment tax credit and the effect on venture capital funding for entrepreneurs in the state.

Economic Vision 2010: We’ve Come a Long Way in 20 Years – Many of the goals and initiatives identified in the lead-up to the Indiana Chamber’s first economic development plan were right on target – and significant progress has been achieved.

The Accelerating Indiana Vision 2025+ initiative that has been outlined previously will contain both major research studies and short-term projects to address specific needs.

Contact Jeff Brantley (jbrantley@indianachamber.com) with questions or comments regarding Foundation research.