Each year, IEI focuses on a specific emerging issue threatening North Carolina’s future competitiveness. An emerging issue is something we haven’t thought about, but need to, or it’s something we already know, but is changing. The Institute for Emerging Issues works collaboratively to mine these emerging issues for their opportunities. After all, North Carolina’s history was built on how our people responded to new opportunities.

Emerging issues cross the four building blocks of a vibrant North Carolina: economy, health, education and environments. We assemble diverse perspectives to reflect the varied interests of the state as we address the topic, so that the solutions we arrive at together are smarter, more comprehensive, and endure.