Regional Research Pilot Program - Illinois Economic Development Corporation

Advancing Local Economic Development Across Illinois

The Regional Research Pilot Program (R2P2) is an Illinois EDC Economic Research Center initiative designed to strengthen long-term, data-driven economic development strategy in communities across Illinois. R2P2 expands access to high-quality economic research for EDOs and similar entities statewide, equipping regional partners with the analytical foundation they need to make proactive, forward-looking decisions.

Through R2P2, Illinois EDC works collaboratively with participants to examine the region’s current economic trajectory, assess long-term vision, and identify gaps between present conditions and desired outcomes. From there, participants are guided through prioritizing industry sectors and developing targeted strategies that reflect both regional strengths and market realities—creating clearer pathways from analysis to action.

For more information, contact us at R2P2@IllinoisEDC.org.

What you need to know.

Why participate?

Many regions, counties, and economic development organizations across Illinois lack access to actionable data and analysis, limiting their ability to develop long-term, proactive economic development strategies. R2P2 provides research support that helps communities align local strategies with statewide priorities, compete more effectively for business attraction and expansion, and focus limited resources on high-quality opportunities.

What do participants receive?

Custom Research & Strategy Support

Research and analysis that support proactive economic development strategy and planning. Offerings include industry cluster and gap analyses that examine current economic conditions, regional and national trends, and communities’ long-term economic goals. This work helps identify gaps between a community’s current trajectory and its desired future state.

R2P2 staff then collaborate with communities to prioritize industry sectors and develop targeted, data-informed economic development strategies that align with local capacity and available resources.

Standardized Research Products

R2P2 also produces a suite of standardized, foundational research products that support custom strategy work and provide consistent, high-quality insights across regions, including:

Community profiles
Regional and statewide macroeconomic indicators
Job postings reports
Statewide locates and expansion reports
Comprehensive lists of major regional employers

Interested in participating?

If you are interested and would like to get in touch with a member of the team, let us know here:

Organization Name

Organization Type

Name

First Last

Title

County or Region You Serve

Briefly describe your interest in R2P2

Anything you’d like to share about your region or research needs?

Would your organization be able to pay a participation fee for R2P2 services?

Yes

Regional Research Pilot Program (R2P2)

Advancing Local Economic Development Across Illinois

What you need to know.

Have questions?

Regional Research Pilot Program
(R2P2)