Mission & Goals

About the Center

The Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD) seeks to pioneer new ideas and strategies that contribute to regional collaboration, innovation and prosperity. Founded in 2005, the Center partners with public, private, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations to identify and enhance the key drivers of innovation in regions across Indiana, the U.S. and beyond. These drivers include a vibrant and inclusive civic leadership, a commitment to collaboration, and the application of advanced data support systems to promote sound decision-making and the pursuit of economic development investments that build on the competitive assets of regions.

Center’s Mission

Pioneering new ideas and strategies that contribute to regional collaboration, innovation and prosperity.

The Five Major Goals of the Center

Strengthen the Civic Leadership of Regions

Recognizing the economic needs and assets of regions rests, in part, on access to high quality data tools that can produce a comprehensive assessment of the region’s social, economic, educational and environmental resources.

Strengthen Collaborative Leadership

Vibrant regions depend on a diversity of people and groups contributing to the civic life of their regions. In addition, they hinge on the presence of a pipeline of new leaders who are capable of working in partnership with existing leaders to think and act regionally.

Promote Regional Strategy and Planning

Embracing a framework that promotes sound planning and timely decision making is critical to the effective tackling of regional concerns and opportunities.

Advance Economic Development and Business Growth Strategies

Strong and sustainable economies require the pursuit of an appropriate mix of economic development strategies, especially ones that reduce economic gaps and strengthen a region’s economic assets.

Tap the Talents of Purdue Faculty and Staff

No matter the complexity of the challenges regions face, PCRD has access to a team of highly talented Purdue University faculty and staff who can provide guidance on key regional matters.