economic development

iwin research on regional economic development centers on human capital as an input to regional innovation and economic growth.  Human capital, in the broadest sense, refers to the capacity to create effective workplaces that allow people to innovate, create new products, increase productivity and improve business processes.  iwin explores the use of this expanded definition as a catalyst for economic and workforce development.

bluegrass entrepreneurial environment study

Principal Investigator: Jennifer Swanberg, Ph.D.
Co-Principal Investigator: Mac Werner, MSW


This study is a comprehensive evaluation of the Bluegrass Region’s entrepreneurial environment. It explores what factors invite innovative companies and individuals to Kentucky and assesses the supports and networks that exist—or could exist—to foster high-tech entrepreneurial development. Information was gathered through three means: case studies that qualitatively document the factors that have influenced the success of eleven local, high-tech firms; focus groups with key stakeholders in regional economic development that evaluate the needs and assets of area entrepreneurs; and a regional survey of high-tech entrepreneurs that collected baseline demographic, environmental and business data regarding the Bluegrass’ current entrepreneurial climate.

presentation slides explaining the project
Where the Region Stands report
Stories of Success report


This project was funded by the Bluegrass Business Development Partnership. For more information, please contact Mac Werner.