Economic Development Studio @ Virginia Tech

The Economic Development Studio @ Virginia Tech is a resource for communities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. We conduct research on economic development issues, inform policymakers and residents, and provide suggestions for economic development strategy and action. The Studio is a collaborative effort between Virginia Tech’s Urban Affairs and Planning Program and Virginia Tech’s Office of Economic Development. Faculty leading the studio effort are Dr. Heike Mayer and Dr. John Provo.

Past Projects

“Doing Business in Roanoke: An Analysis of Downtown Sectors”

During Fall 2004, students in the Economic Development Studio conducted an industry cluster analysis of downtown Roanoke. The study was commissioned by Downtown Roanoke Inc. (DRI), a business improvement district organization. The seven students enrolled in this class were all based in Blacksburg.

Doing Business in Roanoke: An Analysis of Downtown Sectors (PDF, Powerpoint)

“Farmshoring in Virginia”

This project involved 15 students in Alexandria and in Blacksburg. The class examined farmshoring/domestic outsourcing opportunities in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Students made recommendations to state and local policymakers how they can take advantage of the emerging farmshoring/domestic outsourcing phenomenon. The project was funded by by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and various local communities.

The students received the 2007 Student Project Award of the Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association.

To read the summary report and the technical reports, click here.