On May 1, 2025, Commonwealth North, ISER, and Build Alaska’s Future co-hosted a virtual economic forum featuring ISER economists discussing Alaska’s economic trajectory in light of federal policy changes by the current administration. Titled “How Shifting […]
Understanding Alaska and Alaskans is fundamental to shaping the state’s future. In 1961, Alaska’s Second State Legislature acknowledged the importance of this research mission and understood how it would inform policy and critical decisions facing the new state. This led to the creation of the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER). Since then, ISER research has contributed to just about every public policy topic in the state, including the Arctic, natural resources, education, telecommunications, the Permanent Fund, fisheries, health care and – of course – Alaska’s economy. Read more about > ISER Directors reflect on the Institute’s 60 years
Panelists for ISER's webinar on the Permanent Fund: Past, Present and Future Read more about > Panelist Bios: PFD webinar
Director of the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) and Professor of Economics, Dr. Ralph Townsend, will participate in an upcoming debate with ISER’s former director and Professor Emeritus of Economics, Dr. Gunnar Knapp. Moderated by another former director of ISER and Professor Emeritus of Economics, Dr. Scott Goldsmith, […]
Scott Goldsmith, Professor Emeritus of Economics at ISER, spoke with Abbey Collins of Alaska Public Radio Network last week about increased construction spending in Alaska, particularly increases in petroleum and national defense spending. These increases, along with spending as a result of the 7.1 magnitude earthquake in November, are contributing to what Goldsmith estimates to be about a 10% increase in construction spending over 2018. Goldsmith's estimates of spending by sector are available in the 16th annual construction forecast, prepared for the Associated General Contractors of Alaska. Read more about > Goldsmith talks about increased construction with APRN
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