Annual Report 2020-2021

Dear Friends,

The power of engaging students with faculty in producing academic research is evident in the major achievements of the Montana State University Initiative for Regulation and Applied Economic Analysis (IRAEA) over the past five years. The Initiative has facilitated highquality, peer-reviewed research by MSU faculty and students, and convened public events in which nationally and world renowned leaders in their fields present stakeholders and the general public with objective insights, furthering our understanding of the impact of regulation and policy on societal well-being.  

Today’s pressing challenges demand rigorous, unbiased, high-quality, evidence-based research, and the Initiative’s outstanding work has proven to be a major resource in informing local, national, and global public policy debates.  Our support of faculty-mentored research examining the impact of policies and regulations in agriculture, health care, technology, finance, natural resources, education, public safety, and other sectors will have long-lasting impacts on MSU students. The Initiative has empowered an emerging generation of highly-motivated and innovative leaders who will face one of history’s most challenging economic, social, and political landscapes. These scholars’ achievements will make MSU proud.

We would like to thank the Charles Koch Foundation, whose generous grant made the IRAEA possible. Their support, along with that of other IRAEA funders, has helped facilitate the amazing accomplishments made by the students and faculty supported by the IRAEA.  Although a lack of financial resources will substantially reduce the IRAEA’s ability to continue with its core programs beyond 2021, our enthusiasm and commitment to engaging MSU students and faculty in academic research and analysis to serve Montana, the Northwest region, and the nation is unwavering. We hope you enjoy reading about IRAEA’s impressive year in the following report.

Most Sincerely,

Wendy Stock and Vincent Smith,

Co-Directors

Vincent Smith and Wendy Stock, IRAEA Co-Directors