Research

Greater Akron’s economy relies on our ability to be forward-thinking – identifying new ways to address existing challenges and new opportunities that mobilize our assets and position the region for growth. This work begins with research, where we find the gaps and proportionately calculate how to act, collectively.

Full EGA Report

At the onset of Elevate Greater Akron, a full market assessment was commissioned to determine the true state of our economy.

Polymers

Akron has a longstanding history in the polymer industry. To better understand the roots of our challenges and the potential opportunities, a research assessment was completed on the polymer industry ecosystem.

Foreign Direct Investment Report

As part of Elevate Greater Akron’s efforts, the purpose of this report is to (a) summarize how efforts to boost exports and FDI fit into the vision for the Akron economy described in Elevate Greater Akron, (b) assess the region’s performance in terms of exports and FDI in the recent past, and (c) lay out a new approach to these two topics based on this research.

Inclusion Narrative

This research explores the impact of racial exclusion on the regional economy and the actions essential to creating an inclusive approach to economic development. This narrative led to Greater Akron’s first-ever Inclusion Summit in 2019 and is the basis for more extensive diversity and inclusion work being done throughout the region.

Greater Akron’s economy relies on our ability to be forward-thinking – identifying new ways to address existing challenges and new opportunities that mobilize our assets and position the region for growth. This work begins with research, where we find the gaps and proportionately calculate how to act, collectively.

Full EGA Report

At the onset of Elevate Greater Akron, a full market assessment was commissioned to determine the true state of our economy.

Polymers

Akron has a longstanding history in the polymer industry. To better understand the roots of our challenges and the potential opportunities, a research assessment was completed on the polymer industry ecosystem.

Foreign Direct Investment Report

As part of Elevate Greater Akron’s efforts, the purpose of this report is to (a) summarize how efforts to boost exports and FDI fit into the vision for the Akron economy described in Elevate Greater Akron, (b) assess the region’s performance in terms of exports and FDI in the recent past, and (c) lay out a new approach to these two topics based on this research.