The Washington Center for Equitable Growth is inviting proposals to uncover the economic effects of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The aim is to generate actionable insights for policymakers on how the IRA’s design and implementation affect equitable economic outcomes during the clean energy transition, amidst significant legislation from sources like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Studies focusing on the IRA alongside other federal investments are welcomed, but those centered solely on non-IRA contributions are excluded.
Researchers are encouraged to explore various methodologies, such as descriptive studies of investment types, structural modelling for measuring outcomes, and experimental methods to evaluate policy effectiveness. Understanding the interaction of IRA provisions with other federal programs can provide a richer context for policymakers. Research on job creation, domestic manufacturing revitalisation, and economic innovation is especially crucial.
The effects of IRA investments on job characteristics and localization, as well as their intersection with labor protections, will also be examined. Furthermore, the role of states and municipalities in harnessing IRA investments and their spillover effects beyond job creation is of special interest, painting a comprehensive picture of local economies.
Innovation related to the IRA and its influence on clean energy industries will be key focal points. Researchers should investigate how IRA investments stimulate economic activity in communities previously reliant on declining manufacturing sectors or those affected by energy disruptions.
An emphasis will be placed on identifying effective policy tools that maximise decarbonization alongside equitable economic growth. Integrating climate and economic frameworks can offer insights into the short-term impacts of the IRA while informing future policy designs. The exploration of heterogeneous effects—how different demographics experience these changes—will be pivotal in shaping effective policy.
Selected researchers will receive training to engage with policymakers and the press, enhancing the outreach of their findings beyond academia. The initiative underscores the significance of diverse perspectives in enriching research outputs within the field.
This Request for Proposals is open to researchers from U.S. colleges or universities and requires a Principal Investigator affiliated with such institutions. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 22, 2025, with decisions announced in July for the subsequent academic year. Grants ranging from $25,000 to $80,000 will fund various research-related costs but cannot be used for indirect overhead expenses. A detailed application process requires a six-page proposal alongside a two-page CV.
Proposals will be evaluated for their responsiveness to the request, the potential for actionable policymaking insights, and methodological soundness, ensuring rigorous research advances the existing literature. While feedback is not provided prior to submission, the Equitable Growth team is available for questions during the application process.
The Washington Center for Equitable Growth requests proposals for research on the Inflation Reduction Act focusing on its economic effects, particularly regarding equitable outcomes during the clean energy transition. Research should discuss the IRA’s impact alongside other federal investments, utilizing various methodologies to evaluate job creation, innovation, and regional effects. Applications are due May 22, 2025, with grants expected between $25,000 and $80,000, and a detailed proposal is required for submission.
The Washington Center for Equitable Growth’s initiative invites rigorous research proposals aimed at clarifying the economic effects of the Inflation Reduction Act. By emphasising equitable economic outcomes, the initiative seeks to equip scholars and policymakers with vital insights that intersect clean energy transitions and economic growth. The focus on diverse methodologies will enhance understanding of job creation, regional impacts, and innovation—ultimately guiding effective, equitable policy development.
Original Source: equitablegrowth.org
