Ohio Chamber Research Foundation Fellows Program

Ohio Chamber Research Foundation Fellows Program

Overview: A groundbreaking initiative designed to improve Ohio's business climate through rigorous research, innovative policy development, and thought leadership. The program connects leading experts with Ohio's business community to develop evidence-based solutions that strengthen the state's economic competitiveness.

Geographic Scope: Ohio (statewide)

Program Mission: The OCRF Fellows Program engages top-tier experts from academia, policy, and industry to tackle complex challenges facing Ohio businesses and economic development. Through in-depth research and strategic analysis, fellows develop actionable recommendations that help shape public policy, improve Ohio's business climate, and drive economic growth across the state.

Focus Areas

• Workforce development (inaugural 2025-2026 cohort focus)
• Economic policy research
• Business climate factors
• Energy policy
• Other factors critical to Ohio's business climate

What Fellows Do

• Research & Analysis: Comprehensive research on Ohio's economic landscape, analyzing policy impacts, business climate factors, and market trends to develop evidence-based recommendations
• Policy Development: Translate research findings into practical policy solutions that improve Ohio's competitiveness and economic development ecosystem
• Thought Leadership: Elevate important economic and policy discussions through publications, speaking engagements, and media commentary
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with businesses, industry associations, educational institutions, economic development organizations, and government agencies

Fellowship Structure

• Duration: One-year appointments (September 2025 – September 2026)
• Compensation: Annual stipend (amount not specified)
• Deliverables: Quarterly policy briefs, op-eds, presentations, and stakeholder engagement
• Support: Professional development, media training, research assistance, and extensive networking opportunities

Program Impact

• Research Excellence: Each fellow produces four comprehensive policy briefs and op-eds throughout their fellowship year
• Policy Influence: Direct work with policymakers and business leaders to ensure research translates into meaningful policy changes
• Network Building: Creates lasting connections between researchers, business leaders, and policymakers
• Statewide Reach: Fellows present findings at conferences, roundtables, and business forums

Sponsorship Opportunities

Organizations can sponsor the program to:
• Shape policy discussions through cutting-edge research
• Access expertise from leading workforce development experts
• Build networks with forward-thinking business leaders
• Demonstrate leadership commitment to solving Ohio's workforce challenges

Status: Applications now being accepted for inaugural 2025-2026 cohort

Contact: