Research in the Center is guided by the fundamental principle that the impact of scholarship is enhanced by direct contact with industry through personal interactions between academic researchers and industry practitioners. This direct contact takes the form of plant and firm visits, seminars, workshops, and informal networks. The experience of the Center in establishing baseline data, creating analytical models, and explaining the effects of new technology on operations and competitiveness is an asset to business partners and to the community. In addition to focusing on industry issues of national and international concern, Center faculty have established productive working relationships with firms in the Pittsburgh region. Through these relationships the Center endeavors to translate scholarly research into regional economic development benefits, and create educational and research opportunities for students.

   The Center for Industry Studies is committed to furthering the development of industry studies as a field of academic research. The Center seeks to promote awareness of research findings, and enhance the impact of industry studies research on industry practice, public policy, and education. An important aspect of this approach is to support and formalize the growing community of scholars who find benefit in observation-based research concerning industry.