Center for Economic Studies (U.S. Census Bureau)

The Center for Economic Studies (CES) is a research center within the U.S. Census Bureau. Its primary mission is to improve the quality and policy relevance of Census Bureau data by fostering collaborative research between Census Bureau staff and external researchers. CES facilitates access to confidential microdata from Census Bureau surveys and censuses for approved research projects that address important economic and statistical questions.

CES supports a wide range of research areas, including but not limited to:

• Business dynamics and entrepreneurship
• Productivity and innovation
• Labor markets and earnings
• International trade and investment
• Regional and local economic development
• Demography and migration

Researchers access data through secure Research Data Centers (RDCs) located at universities and Census Bureau facilities across the United States. These RDCs provide a controlled environment that allows researchers to analyze confidential data while protecting the privacy of individuals and businesses.

CES plays a vital role in advancing economic knowledge and informing public policy by providing access to high-quality, detailed data and by fostering collaboration between government and academic researchers. Research conducted at CES has been used to inform policy decisions related to economic growth, job creation, and social welfare programs. The results of CES-supported research are often published in leading academic journals and presented at conferences. The Center also actively disseminates its research findings to policymakers and the public through reports, briefings, and online resources.