economic development

May 1, 2018

Alumna Leigh-Kathryn Bonner Selected as One of Inc’s 30 Most Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs

The buzz continues to surround NC State alumna Leigh-Kathryn Bonner (International Studies '15) and her Bee Downtown company. Bonner, 25, was recently selected as one of Inc.’s 30 Most Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs under 30. 

Jun 1, 2016

Nonprofit Executive Turnover More Turbulent Than Previously Thought

Research from an NC State public administration professor finds that turnover among executive leaders at nonprofit organizations is often plagued by problems, with very few transitional periods mirroring the scenarios painted in the professional literature. 

May 10, 2016

Looking for an Oasis in America’s Food Deserts

Doctoral student Sherrie Godette investigated government intervention into food deserts — low-income population areas where residents have limited access to grocery stores. We asked her about her research and what it tells us about the state of food access. 

Apr 18, 2016

Eco Apps: A Guide to Going Green

After spending the past four years researching how to increase public engagement through environmental communication, Eli Typhina believes one solution may lie in the palms of more and more people’s hands: mobile phones. 

Jan 6, 2016

Startup Connects Microentrepreneurs With Tourists

Researchers at NC State University say they’ve created a way for the public to easily find and connect with tourism microentrepreneurs, the smallest of small business owners who often not only serve as experts at their crafts but are top-notch tour guides in their community. 

Oct 21, 2015

Crowdfunding For A Place At The Table

A Place At The Table, a planned pay-as-you-can cafe on Hillsborough Street, is the brainchild of Humanities and Social Sciences alumna Maggie Kane. The restaurant is looking to raise $100,000 to pay for startup costs before opening next summer. 

Sep 21, 2015

Tequila, Mezcal and Social Science: a Q&A with Sarah Bowen

Sarah Bowen knows a lot about tequila and mezcal. Her new book, Divided Spirits: Tequila, Mezcal, and the Politics of Production, explores the complex web of relationships – from farmers to bartenders – involved in transforming agave plants grown in Mexico into high-end spirits and cocktails consumed around the world. 

Jun 2, 2015

As Go the Tropics …

Alumna Sandra Harding (Ph.D., Sociology ’94) asks a deceptively simple question: “Is life in the Tropics getting better?” But don’t be fooled by the simplicity of that question: her quest for the answer, and her leadership as an economic sociologist, stand to change the world. Harding, vice chancellor and president of Australia’s James Cook University, chairs the State of the Tropics, a first-of-its-kind partnership with 12 research institutions around the globe. 

May 5, 2015

Students on a (Social) Mission

Traditionally, the measure of a business’s success is its economic bottom line. But more companies and business leaders are looking for results beyond profit margins, and the next generation of students is taking note. "I have students in my office every week who are looking at challenges in the world and trying to find innovative ways to address them," says the program coordinator for NC State's Social Entrepreneurship Initiative. That’s why we’re here.” 

Apr 6, 2015

Philanthropy Journal Returns from Hiatus

The Philanthropy Journal is resuming publishing after more than a year of hiatus. The free, online publication was re-launched April 6, 2015, under new leadership. In addition to providing resources for nonprofits, it will focus on serving as a vehicle for nonprofits and philanthropists to tell their stories.