Institute of State and Regional Affairs

The Institute of State and Regional Affairs is an applied research, training, and public service unit located at Penn State Harrisburg. The Institute is committed to the development and delivery of high quality research, training, and service that applies the diverse resources of the College and the University to the enhancement and well being of the Commonwealth and its citizens. As a Penn State applied research and service unit in the state capital region, the Institute serves to foster understanding in the areas of: public policy analysis; survey research; planning; information collection, management and dissemination; administration; evaluation; and economic and community development. Projects and services are developed with an awareness and appreciation of the diverse values and needs of Pennsylvania's citizens and institutions. The Institute and its associated Centers are committed to working closely with other units of the University and other Universities, and strive to enrich the teaching and educational experience of associated students and faculty.

Since 1973, the Institute has undertaken applied research and service projects for federal, state, regional, and local government agencies, as well as for the private sector. Through these projects the Institute has earned the reputation of being aware of and receptive to the client's needs. The close relationship the Institute maintains with faculty and professional personnel throughout the University allows it to draw upon these diverse resources in solving problems through an interdisciplinary approach. Five core staffed centers comprise the Institute. Core centers include: the Pennsylvania State Data Center, the Center for Survey Research, the Center for Geographic Information Services, the Economic Development Research and Training Center, and the Integrated Technology Center.