School of Public Policy

Research Centers

Center for Regional Analysis

Steven Fuller, Director
Professor of Public Policy

The Center for Regional Analysis provides a forum for local, national, and international research on regional economic development issues and trends. It provides information and research services to local governments and private organizations. Among these are the Washington Economic Index and the Fairfax County Economic Index, both published monthly. Additionally, the center accepts commissions and grants to support research on economic topics ranging from economic and fiscal impact analysis to employment and income forecasts. The center also provides survey research services and conference and training services.

Policy Analysis Center (PAC)

Thomas Gulledge, Director
Professor of Public Policy and Operations Research

The Policy Analysis Center provides research and teaching in the analytical aspects of public policy. Focus areas include defense and international security policy; enterprise integration, including implementation planning for standard software solutions; management and policy aspects of information technology, information systems, and systems engineering economics; and policy and planning aspects of electronic commerce. The PAC is concerned with analytical methods to support the management and improvement of organizational processes.

International Center for Applied Studies in Information Technology (ICASIT)

Stephen Ruth, Director
Professor of Public Policy

ICASIT's theme is leveraging the benefits of information technology in the work place. The center has received large research grants to study cost effectiveness of distance learning, knowledge management, and Internet diffusion. ICASIT currently has information technology projects in more than 30 countries on five continents.

Center for Science and Technology Policy

Don Kash, Director
John T. Hazel, Sr. and Ruth D. Hazel Professor of Public Policy, Director

The Center for Science and Technology Policy investigates the interdependence of technological innovation and national social/economic performance. A major area of attention is the role technological innovation plays in world trade. The center facilitates the exchange of information and knowledge among researchers and practitioners in the worldwide science, technology, trade, and policy communities.

Center For Transport Policy, Operations and Logistics

Kenneth Button, Director
Professor of Public Policy

The Transport Center is concerned with all aspects of transportation policy and in the ways transportation interacts with the wider economy. The expertise of its core faculty extends across economics, planning, geography, political science, and transportation modeling. The center conducts research, and is involved in graduate training, across all modes of transportation at the local, state, federal, and international levels. It embraces the National Center for Intelligent Transportation Systems Deployment Research, one of the 44 national university transportation centers supported by the Research and Special Projects Administration of the United States Department of Transportation.

Mason Enterprise Center (MEC)

Roger Stough, Director
Northern Virginia Endowed Professor of Public Policy

The Mason Enterprise Center provides business assistance and development assistance through a set of federal supported franchise organizations, including several small business development centers, a procurement and technical assistance program, and a mentor protégé program. The center manages three telework centers and two business incubators in Fairfax and Arlington County. MEC has recently initiated a new business mentoring program in collaboration with the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology called the STAR Technology Program, which guides technology ventures through the business and initial financing process. Finally, the MEC has initiated courses in seven different schools and departments, along with a university-wide introductory course in entrepreneurship.