Qualitative Research Intern

RTCC: The Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster (RTCC) is an industry-funded, nonprofit initiative of business, government, academic, and nonprofit leaders focused on accelerating cleantech innovation and economic growth in the Research Triangle region. Our program of work includes business growth and economic development, regional and global marketing, talent attraction and development, and ecosystem engagement.

INTERSHIP: We are seeking a part-time intern to join our team for Summer 2020, with potential to continue into fall. We have the project below, and you may be able to customize the project to suit your interests, skills, and desired outcomes.

PROJECT: Benchmark business models of cluster-based, economic development organizations

Overview – Conduct research via Internet and phone interviews with relevant membership organizations to document their business models; funding sources; evolution over time; key programs, especially those that drive membership recruitment and retention; successes; and failures. Prioritize organizations in the US and in the cleantech or energy industry. Time permitting, consider research beyond the US.

Deliverables:

• List of organizations to research
• Survey instrument / questionnaire
• Written report, application TBD, e.g., MS Word, StoryMap, or other

Skills gained: Qualitative research methods, case study research, 1:1 interviews, writing,

BACKGROUND: RTCC is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization. RTCC’s primary source of revenue is membership dues ~$300K/annually followed by funding from an EDA grant = $120K/annually, which will end in December 2021. RTCC was established as a marketing organization in 2013 to market the Research Triangle region as a global destination for cleantech innovation. In 2016, RTCC’s membership model was expanded to enable tiers of membership levels to allow for members of different sizes and stages of growth. This “larger tent” brought forth different value propositions for organizations to be part of RTCC, i.e., wherein multinational firms like ABB may have funded the marketing and talent attraction original mission, smaller corporations increasingly expressed interest in business development with other members and with other organizations in the region.

The 2019-2021 EDA RiS grant provided framework for RTCC to expand its work toward convening and soft, project facilitation through developing a NC Cleantech Corridor—convening local governments to brainstorm on their energy needs with RTCC members and utilities in the room to hear firsthand the “aggregate voice of the customer.”

By January 2021, RTCC will have identified strategies to replace the EDA funding either with increased membership revenue—a function of a highly-articulated, value proposition—and/or with public funds in the form of a grant or ideally, state, legislative allocation.

ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP

• Location: Remote with meetings held as needed and as deemed as per pandemic guidelines. Location at RTCC office, 1575 Varsity Dr, Raleigh NC 27606 or nearby in SW Raleigh
• Start date: June 8, 2020 ideal
• Time Commitment: Maximum of 80 hours ideally 20 hrs / week over four weeks from June-July
• Compensation: $13-15/hour, dependent on candidate qualification
• Requirements: Graduate student with research experience and interest in clean technology and/or economic development.
• Preferences: Student in city / regional planning, public administration, business disciplines
• Misc: Must provide own laptop.