Eric Thompson<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cWe\u2019re focused on factors that influence the long-run growth of the economy,\u201d said UNL economist Eric Thompson, the bureau\u2019s director. \u201cThe knowledge that we\u2019re developing \u2013 our findings \u2013 are useful not just in Nebraska but across the country.\u201d<\/p>\n For example, the bureau\u2019s State Entrepreneurship Index assesses the level of entrepreneurial activity in all 50 states to help measure state economic health. The index not only determines business formation rates, it also evaluates average income creation of new businesses. This helps states know how innovative they are at producing successful, high-value businesses.<\/p>\n In collaboration with UNL economist David Rosenbaum, the bureau recently began studying the economic consequences of weatherization and energy savings loan programs, looking at such factors as job creation, pollution reduction and improved home fire safety.<\/p>\n To help strengthen Nebraska businesses, the bureau also began publishing Leading Economic Indicators in conjunction with UNL\u2019s Department of Economics. These forecasts project Nebraska\u2019s economy six months into the future to better understand factors affecting economic conditions and to help businesses plan. Soon, these reports also will include subregions, such as Omaha, Lincoln and several rural areas.<\/p>\n The bureau also is developing a State Human Capital Index to track how quickly states are building this key component.<\/p>\n Thompson said the bureau\u2019s research also benefits UNL\u2019s faculty and students. \u201cIt\u2019s not just that we\u2019re producing something cool about the economy, we\u2019re also doing the university\u2019s business of research and education.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Predicting economic trends is complex and tricky. It\u2019s also exactly the sort of information that businesses need to plan and grow. UNL\u2019s Bureau of Business Research is expanding its lineup of forecasts and indices to help businesses, policymakers and researchers … Continue reading ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2012\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Eric_Thompson_012-900x597.jpg\" "\\"Eric_Thompson_012\\"")
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