Jan. 30, 2019
Universities such as the University of South Carolina benefit immensely from state support, and that support can be felt throughout the schools and colleges on campus. Here at the Darla Moore School of Business, state support goes toward making tangible differences in the way it provides research insights, advises strategy development and develops talent, which in turn impact the state as a whole.
The Division of Research, run by economics professor Doug Woodward and research economist Joey Von Nessen, annually hosts the Economic Outlook Conference (EOC), widely attended by business professionals and government officials across the state for the last 38 years. Attendees come from near and far to hear what economic factors are most likely to affect their businesses in the coming year.
“One of the primary goals of the Division of Research is to provide actionable information to help organizations make strategic decisions that benefit South Carolina,” Von Nessen said.
Woodward and Von Nessen give more than 20 talks around the state each year based on EOC findings. They also work with clients on other applied economic studies to provide insights to guide business and economic development. Such studies on economic impact and potential growth strategies have been done with organizations across South Carolina in areas such as academia; aeronautics; agriculture; the arts; automotive; charities and foundations; economic development for South Carolina cities, counties and industries; health care; housing; insurance; manufacturing; military; natural disasters; new business startups; transportation; and workforce development.
In addition, the Division of Research works with regional developers to promote why investing in South Carolina is good for business. One such benefit is the number of Moore School graduates that go on to work in the state — more than 20,000 Moore School alumni are currently living and working in South Carolina. In the last three years, Moore School graduates have been hired to work at more than 200 companies statewide, providing top talent to the workforce of our state.