Research Snapshots
AI Data Centers: What North Dakota Needs to Know
The development of data centers raises significant questions about economic opportunity, electricity, water, and community well-being. This frequently asked questions (FAQ) document sets out the relevant evidence and considerations for North Dakota, based on research carried out by the Challey Institute at NDSU and other sources.
How Do Immigrants Impact the Economy?
Immigration is often discussed as a national issue, but its economic impact varies by state. This research snapshot examines how changes in the immigrant population relate to private-sector economic growth. The findings show that immigrants contribute positively to the economy, but the size of the gains depends on two key factors: a state's existing immigrant population and its level of economic freedom. By complementing domestic workers, immigrants boost prosperity for everyone, and these gains are strongest in states with smaller existing immigrant populations and greater economic freedom.
Do Tariffs Improve Trade With China?
The United States has imposed expanding tariffs on Chinese goods since 2018, due to valid concerns about China's state-led economic model, weak intellectual property protection, and restricted access to Chinese service and digital markets. This snapshot of Tiange (Sheryl) Du's research shows how even though tariffs have caused direct imports to decrease, Chinese value still reaches the U.S. indirectly through embedded service value in goods and third economies. It also points to several alternative measures to better address problems in the U.S.-China relationship.
Good Samaritan Laws May Save Lives and Reduce Drug Crime
Good Samaritan Laws are among the most widely adopted opioid crisis response policies in the United States, providing certain legal immunity to individuals who call 911 to report an opioid overdose. This snapshot of Raymond J. March's research shares that GSLs produce a meaningful secondary consequence: a statistically significant and growing reduction in arrests for illicit drug sales, particularly for synthetic narcotics.