The research of this new group will be dedicated to major economic issues. Marcelin Joanis, Professor at Polytechnique Montréal, will assume the vice-presidency. The Economic Development group will consolidate CIRANO's position as a leader in Québec's economy, notably by building on its flagship project, Le Québec économique.

The group's objectives are to

• produce high-level academic research on cutting-edge issues affecting the Québec economy and economic development in general;
• to be the focal point for the community of researchers interested in these issues;
• to transfer knowledge to the community of practising economists and the informed general public;
• educate about the Quebec economy through the development of relevant statistics and themes.