Overview
Serving Colorado since 1915, the Business Research Division (BRD) has been providing information and data needed by businesses, nonprofit organizations, and various government agencies to help them make sound business and policy decisions. The division annually produces the Colorado Business Economic Outlook, a sector by sector economic forecast of the state’s economy. The BRD also conducts Colorado-focused, custom economic and marketing studies, collaborating with faculty researchers, government entities, business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and students. Recent clients include those in the energy, transportation, waste management, natural foods, and economic development areas.
Business leaders and policy makers rely on research conducted by the division for relevant information and data. The annual Colorado Business Economic Outlook provides an industry-specific forecast of the state’s economy, while the quarterly Leeds Business Confidence Index gauges Colorado’s business leaders’ opinions about the national and state economies and how their industry will perform in the coming quarter. A quarterly e-newsletter, the Colorado Business Review, also provides decision makers with in-depth analysis and information about Colorado’s economy.
In the next year, the BRD will once again be at the forefront of Colorado's economic forecasting as it presents the forty-ninth annual Colorado Business Economic Outlook on December 9 at the Denver Marriott City Center.
Quarterly Business & Economic Indicators
Colorado Secretary of State’s Office
The Business Research Division is working with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office to produce the Quarterly Business & Economic Indicators newsletter. Based on correlations between various business filing data from the Secretary of State’s Office and economic metrics, the reports give public policy and business leaders another tool for making sound decisions. Learn more at the Colorado Secretary of State's website.
Colorado Quarterly Business & Economic Indicators Reports
Video: Rich Wobbekind on “A Boulder View”
A Boulder View host, Jody Jacobson, speaks with Dr. Rich Wobbekind, Economist with the Leeds School of Business at CU-Boulder, about the 2013 economic forecast for Boulder.
Colorado Business Economic Outlook
The Colorado Business Economic Outlook is the longest-running forecast of the Colorado economy. Initially presented at an event in Denver in early December, the forecast analyzes changes that have taken place in industry sectors during the past year and looks at the events and activities that will shape changes in population and employment, and in the overall economy for the coming year.
In the next year, the BRD will once again be at the forefront of Colorado's economic forecasting as it presents the forty-ninth annual Colorado Business Economic Outlook on December 9 at the Denver Marriott City Center.
Download the 2013 Outlook
Breakout Session Presentations
Business Resources Survey Project
The Business Research Division (BRD) is conducting a survey on behalf of the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade to identify government and nonprofit resources for businesses in communities around the state. Please take a few minutes to answer questions about the resources your organization offers and identify other organizations providing resources in the state.
Survey
To complete the survey electronically, click on one of the links below. If you prefer, click on the icons for an Excel or a PDF version of the survey.
Online Survey
PDF Version
Excel Version
Survey Invitation
Dear Colorado Business Partner,
View/Download
First, thank you for all that you do to inspire and encourage job creation across the State of Colorado. Through the Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT), and pursuant to the Colorado Blueprint, the State of Colorado is creating an online portal connecting Colorado businesses to the many relevant resources available to them.
We need your assistance in order to fully achieve the action items set forth in this plan. Please take a few minutes to complete the enclosed survey about resources available to businesses within your community. Your responses will help us identify, understand, and utilize all of the programs, services, and resources available to Colorado businesses. This information will be used as part of our statewide business resource portal helping businesses and the state become more competitive and successful.
For your convenience, you may complete the survey by visiting leeds.colorado.edu/resourcesurvey. From here, you may take the survey online, or you may download and return the survey as a spreadsheet or a PDF. Please complete the survey by May 1.
This is a new phase in our bottom-up approach to economic development, and we are grateful for your participation, guidance, and input. Most importantly, we are grateful for your passion and hard work to increase the competitiveness of our great state.
Sincerely,
Kenneth W. Lund
Executive Director
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
Submitting the Survey
Please return your completed PDF or Excel survey to:
Business Resources Survey Project
Business Research Division
University of Colorado Boulder
420 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0420
brian.lewandowski@colorado.edu
Fax: 303.492.3620
Questions
For questions about the project, please contact:
Joey Jenkins
Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade
joey.jenkins@state.co.us
303.892.3862
For questions about the survey, please contact:
Brian Lewandowski
Business Research Division
University of Colorado Boulder
brian.lewandowski@colorado.edu
303.492.3307
University of Colorado Economic Impact Study
Date: May 15, 2012
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The University of Colorado is the nexus of research and teaching that reaches far beyond economic statistics that quantify purchases and payroll in the state of Colorado. That said, the university’s economic impacts still resonate as an economic engine driven by education and research expenditures. This enterprise, which directly employs 27,500 faculty, staff, and student workers, shares the complexity of any large corporation. Funding from tuition, grants, contracts, gifts, and appropriations is turned around and spent in private industry. These purchases, which range from food services to energy to equipment, leave an economic imprint of $5.3 billion on the state of Colorado and directly and indirectly employ 43,500 in the state. The $246 million in construction in fiscal year (FY) 2011 alone had economic benefits of $478 million, concentrated in an industry disproportionately affected by the recession.
This public university serves “Colorado, the nation and the world through leadership in high-quality education and professional training, public service, advancing research and knowledge, and state-of-the- art health care.” With education as a core element of this mission, the University of Colorado enrolled 57,400 students in the fall of 2010 and awarded 14,525 degrees for the year. An estimated 192,000 alumni reside in the state, contributing to Colorado’s economic and social fabric. Evidence of the university’s educational impact can be found in the leadership of private businesses, teachers in classrooms, health-care professionals, and policy makers. These alumni are an integral part of the Colorado labor force, particularly in the high-tech workforce, and contribute to the state’s rank as second in the nation for educational attainment.
Leveraging the $181.6 million in state funding FY2011, the university operated on $2.7 billion in noncapital revenues. A significant portion of this leveraged funding was related to sponsored program and other restricted fund activity, primarily associated with research activity. Sponsored program awards in FY2011 exceeded $793 million, were concentrated on the Anschutz Medical Campus and the Boulder campus, and were predominately comprised of funding from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, NASA, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Commerce. In fact, 68% of FY2011 awards and 78% of research expenditures were federal in nature. This funding flows to departments and researchers with unique expertise, concentrated in fields such as biotechnology and aerospace, which lends to activity in specific industries and clusters in the state. This activity supports the concentration of companies, where Metro Denver alone touts cluster employment concentrations that far exceed the nation, including aerospace (5.1 times the national average), telecommunications (2.9 times), cleantech (2 times), medical devices and diagnostics (1.7 times), and financial investments (1.6 times). Some federal research laboratories (e.g., joint institutes) are located in Colorado because of the university. They are often on university grounds and partially staffed by university employees, leading to a high relative concentration of federal research laboratories in the state.
The University of Colorado’s Technology Transfer Office is the conduit for technology commercialization. From CU intellectual property, 114 companies have been formed, 85 of which continue to operate in Colorado, and 11 of which were formed in FY2011 alone. These companies are taking risks to create innovative technological impacts, such as OPX Biotechnologies, a cleantech company creating proven alternatives to petroleum products, and Arca biopharma, a firm customizing treatment to improve cardiovascular health.
The University of Colorado collaborates in a research triangle that includes universities, businesses, and federal laboratories. These concerted efforts, with support from state and federal funds, help ensure Colorado’s economic vitality. From direct expenditures and spinoff technologies to collaborative research and an educated workforce, the University of Colorado strengthens Colorado’s economy.
Colorado Business Economic Outlook
The Colorado Business Economic Outlook is the longest-running forecast of the Colorado economy. Initially presented at an event in Denver in early December, the forecast analyzes changes that have taken place in industry sectors during the past year and looks at the events and activities that will shape changes in population and employment, and in the overall economy for the coming year.
The forty-eighth annual Colorado Business Economic Outlook Forum was held December 3 at the Denver Marriott City Center.
Download the 2013 Outlook
Breakout Session Presentations
Leeds Business Confidence Index
The Leeds Business Confidence Index (LBCI) is a forward-looking index that gauges business leaders’ opinions about national and state economic trends and how their industry will perform in the coming quarter.
Each quarter, Colorado business leaders are invited to complete a brief online survey about next-quarter expectations. The survey results are then compiled into the LBCI.
Register to become a panelist.
Latest Report
Quarter 2, 2013
Confidence surged going into Q2 as uncertainty eased and the economy demonstrated a more stable footing. Now in its 10th year, the Leeds Business Confidence Index (LBCI) measures the confidence of Colorado business leaders in six categories: national economy, state economy, industry sales, industry profits, hiring plans, and capital expenditures. The LBCI increased sharply, from 51.3 in Q1 2013 to 58.1 in Q2 2013.
Expectations measured positive (above 50) for all metrics, including the national economy and industry hiring plans, which were negative one quarter ago. Hiring expectations marked the greatest quarterly improvement, followed by sales and profits expectations. While the outlook for the state and the nation both improved for the quarter, the ongoing differential between the state and the nation increased in Q2, to 11.6, indicating that Colorado business leaders still have greater confidence in the local economy than the national economy.
After confidence teetered in Q1 in conjunction with the fiscal cliff, the Q2 index reading makes six consecutive quarters of positive expectations. As the economy heads into second quarter, month-over-month employment is recording moderate growth and jobless claims continue to fall, demonstrating stronger footing in the labor market. While GDP in Q4 2012 was weak, expectations still point to improving growth in 2013 and 2014. Economic risks include the drag of cuts in federal spending and the European debt crisis, although respondents indicated these concerns are subordinate to consumer confidence and tax policy. The debt ceiling debate will likely be pushed to September 2013, reducing the immediate threat to the economy, and the Federal Reserve demonstrated in March its continued commitment to current policy.
Download Report
Colorado Business Review
Published quarterly by the Business Research Division, the Colorado Business Review newsletter provides in-depth analysis and information about Colorado’s economy.
Sign up to add your name to the CBR mailing list.
Editorial Staff
- Executive Director and Editor: Dr. Richard Wobbekind
- Assistant Editor: Cindy DiPersio
- Technical Advisor: Brian Lewandowski
- Graphic Design: Lynn Reed
We welcome your comments and suggestions for topics of future issues.
May 2013
As the world looks for innovative solutions to the growing demand for energy, Colorado’s research universities, nonprofits, and business community are increasingly poised to be solution creators. CU Cleantech, the New Venture Challenge, and the Energy Frontiers Conference, as well as CU engineering and business programs, underscore the University of Colorado’s commitment to education, collaboration, and outreach related to energy. The articles in this issue of the Colorado Business Review describe the current energy environment, and highlight creative ideas from CU students and faculty and local companies working in this space.
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Research
Business Research Division researchers have expertise in conducting customized marketing and economic impact studies using web-based, mail, on-site, and telephone surveys; focus groups; and data mining/analysis. Recent clients include those in the following industries:
- Energy
- Transportation
- Wholesale trade
- Economic development
- Natural and organic foods industry
- Recycling
The BRD presents an annual Colorado Business Economic Outlook Forum each December in Denver, followed by targeted presentations of the forecast to organizations across the state and nation. The forecast includes snapshots from specific counties and regions around the state, as well as updates on international trade, population, labor force and personal income growth, and a general outlook on the national economy.
In addition to conducting research, the division is the umbrella organization for the Colorado Association for Manufacturing and Technology and the Rocky Mountain Trade Adjustment Assistance Center.
News
Leeds School of Business
December 7, 2012
Colorado will continue on the road to recovery and add a variety of jobs in 2013 across almost all business sectors following a positive year in 2012, according to economist Richard Wobbekind of the Leeds School of Business.
Leeds School of Business
November 26, 2012
The Leeds School of Business will present its 48th annual Colorado Business Economic Outlook Forum on Monday, Dec. 3, at 1 p.m. at the Denver Marriott City Center.
Boulder County Business Review
October 26, 2012
Visitors who came to Boulder specifically to watch a USA Pro Cycling Challenge event spent an estimated $2.4 million, according to newly released information from a study by the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado-Boulder.
The Leeds School of Business
October 15, 2012
Consumer demand is making aluminum cans more relevant than ever, according to a report from the University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business.
Boulder County Business Report
July 20, 2012
Companies in Boulder Valley receive more venture capital investment than any other region its size in the U.S. Per capita, Boulder ranks only behind San Jose and San Francisco. The city's startup community has become so strong that it now draws investors from other technology-hub regions around the nation. The University of Colorado's vibrant research community plays a large part in attracting funding and entrepreneurial interest.
Publications
Publication
May 2013
Published quarterly by the Business Research Division, the Colorado Business Review newsletter provides in-depth analysis and information about Colorado’s economy.
Read/Download
Publication
April 2013
The Leeds Business Confidence Index (LBCI) is a forward-looking index that gauges business leaders’ opinions about national and state economic trends and how their industry will perform in the coming quarter.
Read/Download
Publication
January 2013
Published quarterly by the Business Research Division, the Colorado Business Review newsletter provides in-depth analysis and information about Colorado’s economy.
Read/Download
Publication
January 2013
The Leeds Business Confidence Index (LBCI) is a forward-looking index that gauges business leaders’ opinions about national and state economic trends and how their industry will perform in the coming quarter.
Read/Download
Publication
December 2012
The Colorado Business Economic Outlook is the longest-running forecast of the Colorado economy. Initially presented at an event in Denver in early December, the forecast analyzes changes that have taken place in industry sectors during the past year and looks at the events and activities that will shape changes in population and employment, and in the overall economy for the coming year.
The forty-eighth annual Colorado Business Economic Outlook Forum was held December 3 at the Denver Marriott City Center.
Read/Download
Publication
October 2012
Published quarterly by the Business Research Division, the Colorado Business Review newsletter provides in-depth analysis and information about Colorado’s economy.
Read/Download
Publication
October 2012
The Leeds Business Confidence Index (LBCI) is a forward-looking index that gauges business leaders’ opinions about national and state economic trends and how their industry will perform in the coming quarter.
Read/Download
Research
July 2012
Published quarterly by the Business Research Division, the Colorado Business Review newsletter provides in-depth analysis and information about Colorado’s economy.
Read/Download
Publication
July 2012
The Leeds Business Confidence Index (LBCI) is a forward-looking index that gauges business leaders’ opinions about national and state economic trends and how their industry will perform in the coming quarter.
Read/Download
Research
April 2012
Published quarterly by the Business Research Division, the Colorado Business Review newsletter provides in-depth analysis and information about Colorado’s economy.
Read/Download
Publication
April 2012
The Leeds Business Confidence Index (LBCI) is a forward-looking index that gauges business leaders’ opinions about national and state economic trends and how their industry will perform in the coming quarter.
Read/Download
Research
February 2012
Published quarterly by the Business Research Division, the Colorado Business Review newsletter provides in-depth analysis and information about Colorado’s economy.
Read/Download
Publication
December 2011
The Leeds Business Confidence Index (LBCI) is a forward-looking index that gauges business leaders’ opinions about national and state economic trends and how their industry will perform in the coming quarter.
Read/Download
Publication
November 2011
This forecast analyzes changes that have taken place in all economic sectors during the past year, and looks at the events and activities that will shape the changes in our population, employment, and overall economy for the coming year.
Read/Download
Publication
October 2011
This report, by reporting 2009 data, complements the Colorado Business Review 77:4, which discussed 2010 federal spending in Colorado.
Read/Download
Research
October 2011
Published quarterly by the Business Research Division, the Colorado Business Review newsletter provides in-depth analysis and information about Colorado’s economy.
Read/Download
Publication
October 2011
The Leeds Business Confidence Index (LBCI) is a forward-looking index that gauges business leaders’ opinions about national and state economic trends and how their industry will perform in the coming quarter.
Each quarter, Colorado business leaders are invited to complete a brief online survey about next-quarter expectations. The survey results are then compiled into the LBCI.
Register to become a panelist.
Read/Download
Research
July 2011
Published quarterly by the Business Research Division, the Colorado Business Review newsletter provides in-depth analysis and information about Colorado’s economy.
Read/Download
Publication
June 2011
The Leeds Business Confidence Index (LBCI) is a forward-looking index that gauges business leaders’ opinions about national and state economic trends and how their industry will perform in the coming quarter.
Each quarter, Colorado business leaders are invited to complete a brief online survey about next-quarter expectations. The survey results are then compiled into the LBCI.
Register to become a panelist.
Read/Download
Research
April 2011
Published quarterly by the Business Research Division, the Colorado Business Review newsletter provides in-depth analysis and information about Colorado’s economy.
Read/Download
Publication
March 2011
The Leeds Business Confidence Index (LBCI) is a forward-looking index that gauges business leaders’ opinions about national and state economic trends and how their industry will perform in the coming quarter.
Each quarter, Colorado business leaders are invited to complete a brief online survey about next-quarter expectations. The survey results are then compiled into the LBCI.
Register to become a panelist.
Read/Download
Research
January 2011
Published quarterly by the Business Research Division, the Colorado Business Review newsletter provides in-depth analysis and information about Colorado’s economy.
Read/Download
Research
December 2010
The Leeds Business Confidence Index (LBCI) is a forward-looking index that gauges business leaders’ opinions about national and state economic trends and how their industry will perform in the coming quarter.
Read/Download
Research
November 2010
Author: Business Research Division
Published quarterly by the Business Research Division, the Colorado Business Review newsletter provides in-depth analysis and information about Colorado’s economy.
Read/Download
Publication
October 2010
This forecast analyzes changes that have taken place in all economic sectors during the past year, and looks at the events and activities that will shape the changes in our population, employment, and overall economy for the coming year.
Read/Download
Full Publication
Research
September 2010
The Leeds Business Confidence Index (LBCI) is a forward-looking index that gauges business leaders’ opinions about national and state economic trends and how their industry will perform in the coming quarter.
Read/Download
Research
August 2010
Published quarterly by the Business Research Division, the Colorado Business Review newsletter provides in-depth analysis and information about Colorado’s economy.
Read/Download
Research
June 2010
The Leeds Business Confidence Index (LBCI) is a forward-looking index that gauges business leaders’ opinions about national and state economic trends and how their industry will perform in the coming quarter.
Read/Download
Research
May 2010
Author: Business Research Division
Published quarterly by the Business Research Division, the Colorado Business Review newsletter provides in-depth analysis and information about Colorado’s economy.
Read/Download
Research
March 2010
The Leeds Business Confidence Index (LBCI) is a forward-looking index that gauges business leaders’ opinions about national and state economic trends and how their industry will perform in the coming quarter.
Read/Download
