Big Ideas for Jobs | Workforce Innovation & Policy Research

Research & Insights

Research & Insights

Evidence-based research shaping the future of work, driving policy innovation, and creating pathways to economic opportunity.

OUR MISSION

Transforming Labor Markets Through Research

Big Ideas for Jobs is a leading think tank dedicated to workforce innovation and policy research. We analyze emerging trends, evaluate programs, and develop actionable insights that help policymakers, employers, and educators create better job opportunities.

Our research spans workforce development, skills training, labor market dynamics, and employment policy—connecting rigorous analysis with real-world impact.

Through data-driven insights and collaborative partnerships, we’re building a more inclusive and dynamic labor market for all.

Research team collaboration

RESEARCH AREAS

What We Study

Comprehensive research across critical workforce and labor market topics

Workforce development

📚

Workforce Development

Analyzing training programs, apprenticeships, and upskilling initiatives that prepare workers for evolving job markets.

Labor market analysis

📊

Labor Market Analysis

Tracking employment trends, wage dynamics, job quality, and regional labor market conditions across industries.

Skills and technology

💻

Skills & Technology

Examining how automation, AI, and digital transformation impact skill requirements and job displacement.

Employment policy

📋

Employment Policy

Evaluating policy interventions including minimum wage, unemployment insurance, and labor protections.

Economic mobility

📈

Economic Mobility

Studying pathways out of poverty, income inequality, and barriers to career advancement for disadvantaged workers.

Education workforce alignment

🎓

Education-Workforce Alignment

Bridging gaps between educational institutions and employer needs to improve career readiness and outcomes.

METHODOLOGY

Our Research Approach

Rigorous, multi-method research designed for real-world impact

🔍

Data Analysis

Quantitative analysis of large-scale datasets including BLS, Census, and proprietary data sources

👥

Field Research

Qualitative interviews, case studies, and ethnographic research with workers and employers

🧪

Impact Evaluation

Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs to measure program effectiveness

🤝

Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborative research partnerships with government agencies, nonprofits, and industry leaders

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Featured Research

Latest insights from our research team

Research publication

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The Impact of Sector-Based Training on Long-Term Employment Outcomes

A five-year longitudinal study examining how industry-specific training programs affect earnings trajectories and job stability for low-income workers.

Download Full Report →

Data analysis research

LABOR MARKET TRENDS

Regional Disparities in Post-Pandemic Labor Market Recovery

Analyzing how metropolitan and rural areas are experiencing divergent employment recoveries and what policies can bridge the gap.

Download Full Report →

Technology and workforce

TECHNOLOGY & SKILLS

AI Adoption and Its Effects on Middle-Skill Jobs: A Sectoral Analysis

Documenting which jobs are most vulnerable to automation and identifying skill investments that can protect workers.

Download Full Report →

Policy research

POLICY EVALUATION

Evaluating State Apprenticeship Expansion Programs: Lessons from Five States

A comparative policy analysis identifying which apprenticeship strategies produce the best outcomes for participants and employers.

Download Full Report →

Research team

OUR TEAM

Leading Experts in Workforce Research

Our multidisciplinary research team includes labor economists, sociologists, data scientists, and policy analysts with expertise spanning academia, government, and industry.

PhDs & Advanced Degrees

85% of our researchers hold doctorate or master’s degrees in economics, public policy, or related fields

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Our team has published over 200 articles in top academic journals and policy outlets

Policy Advisory Roles

Team members regularly advise federal and state agencies on workforce policy

OUR IMPACT

Research That Makes a Difference

Our work informs policy decisions and improves outcomes for millions of workers

125+

Research Reports Published

45

State & Federal Partners

2M+

Workers Impacted

500K+

Report Downloads

Stay Informed

Subscribe to receive our latest research findings, policy briefs, and insights on

You Missed