About

C3E is a university-based center that works to address the challenges of global competitiveness in the 21st century. We work with leaders to create custom solutions that build on the unique assets of their region.

Michael I. Luger, Professor of Public Policy, Business and Planning, leads the Center. He helps bring the considerable resources of the University of North Carolina to the task of assisting communities in North Carolina, the South, the United States and beyond.

Based in Chapel Hill, the Center is part of the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise and UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School.

The Center works with clients to identify and address economic development opportunities through a process that includes:

• Conducting comprehensive analysis;
• Working with community leaders in an inclusive process;
• Creating actionable and achievable plans; and
• Providing ongoing analysis and benchmarking.

The diversity of our projects demonstrates the scope and depth of our expertise. These include:

• Identifying Opportunities: Strategic planning and investment for competitiveness
• Creating Rural Competitiveness: Closing the economic disparity gap
• Mobilizing Knowledge Resources: Real estate approaches including Research Parks and incubators
• Assessing Competitive Finance: Aligning incentives and investments to achieve strategic goals
• Bridging Sustainability and Economic Development: New policies for a changing world

More on Projects…