Richard Clinch, an expert in economic and workforce development issues who has been closely involved in analyses of Maryland’s economic trends for several years, has been named director of the Jacob France Institute at the University of Baltimore..

Clinch brings more than two decades of experience in economic and workforce development, in both an academic and consulting setting. He spent 20 years at the Jacob France Institute, where he served as director of economic research. Starting in 2013, he worked in Maryland for Battelle Memorial Institute’s Technology Partnership Practice. Battelle is one of the nation’s leading providers of consulting and analysis in the field of technology-based economic development.

“The Jacob France Institute is a huge asset for the city, state and region,” said Murray Dalziel, dean of the University’s Merrick School of Business, in which the JFI is housed. “I’m looking forward to working with Richard to create even more impact in economic development and labor policies.”

Named for the founding director of The Equitable Trust Company, the Jacob France Institute serves as a leading source of statistical information and research covering the interaction of business, worker, and government investment decisions. Analyzing trends in the location and quality of employment, along with providing continuing education and training opportunities and outcomes, are key components of the JFI’s current portfolio of research. 

Clinch began his career as an analyst for the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress where he specialized in Science and Technology Policy. He earned a master’s degree in Public Policy from Duke University in 1992, and a doctorate in Public Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2008.

Learn more about the Jacob France Institute.