Grand Challenges Stage 2 Resources

If you have additional resources to share that could inform the Grand Challenges process, please submit them here.

Grand Challenges proposal word clouds

Bureau of Business Research (BBR)

This Powerpoint was presented June 9 by Eric Thompson, director of the Bureau of Business Research.

The BBR report on the high-wage, high-growth producer services industry in Nebraska includes information technology, engineers, accounting firms, advertising, other consulting and legal services.

The BBR report on the skills gap in the Omaha area provides information on labor “shortages” in the economy, including in information technology occupations. These reports are produced for other areas of the state as well; we are working on the Panhandle, Tri-Cities and Southwest Nebraska region this year.

Bureau of Sociological Research (BOSR)

This Powerpoint was presented June 9 by Jolene Smyth, associate professor & director of the Bureau of Sociological Research.

The Nebraska Annual Social Indicators Survey (NASIS) is an omnibus survey where a representative sample of Nebraskans are asked to give their opinion on a variety of topics and issues. NASIS data are used by a wide range of organizations for policy and program planning and by the faculty and students of the University of Nebraska for research.

Nebraska Extension

This Powerpoint was presented June 9 by Dave Varner, associate director of Nebraska Extension.

Each year, Nebraska Extension produces impact reports that showcase the work conducted by its professionals on behalf of Nebraskans throughout the state. The 2019 impact reports are available here.

Nebraska Rural Poll

This Powerpoint was presented June 9 by Rebecca Vogt, manager of survey research for UNL’s department of agricultural economics, which developed the Nebraska Rural Poll.

The annual poll gives rural Nebraskans a platform to voice their opinions and concerns on wide-ranging and important topics, including: agricultural policy, energy, the environment, climate change, government, crime, education, health care, housing, immigration, taxes, community development strategies, technology and work. A topical index of the report subjects associated with the Rural Poll is available here.