For more than 100 years, business leaders, policymakers and communities made better decisions based on economic research and reports produced by the Bureau of Business Research (BBR). An applied economic and business research entity, the bureau provides relevant information and insightful data on economic conditions in Nebraska, the Great Plains and the nation, as a service to individuals and businesses in the state.

“We publish reports summarizing the BBR sponsored research studies, outlooks and analyses, including the monthly Nebraska Leading Economic Indicator to measure and project the Nebraska economy,” said Dr. Eric Thompson, director. “The Nebraska Thriving Index is the first economic and quality of life benchmarking tool for rural Nebraska. We also completed the Craft Breweries Economic Impact and Quality of Life, and Using Facebook Data to Predict the Nebraska Real Estate Market.”

In May 2020, Thompson presented a webinar, Resilience and Recovery: The Economy Responds to the COVID-19 Pandemic. More than 1,000 people from 16 states and 70 towns across Nebraska attended the last 40 BBR webinars offered on various topics.

Students also participate in the research on topics such as economic competitiveness, forecasting, labor market analysis, fiscal and policy analysis and tourism impact. Called BBR Scholars, the 15 students learn advanced economic research methods and techniques, collaborate in writing research reports and present study findings.

“Our BBR Scholars co-author numerous reports, newsletters and articles, including Business in Nebraska. They also facilitate seminars and training sessions. With their training, BBR Scholars benefit Nebraskans now and will bring value to their future organizations after they graduate,” said Dr. Mitch Herian, BBR project director.