“Data with Purpose. Insight for Progress.”
Randall W. Jackson is a distinguished figure in the fields of geography, regional science, and economic modeling, whose visionary leadership and pioneering contributions have reshaped how we analyze and understand complex regional economies. With more than four decades of experience at the confluence of academia, research, and applied analytics, Dr. Jackson exemplifies a rare blend of intellectual rigor and practical innovation. As the President and Owner of EconAlyze, LLC, and former Director of the Regional Research Institute (RRI) at West Virginia University, his work has consistently bridged scholarly research with actionable insight, catalyzing sustainable economic transformation across sectors and regions.
Dr. Jackson began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Geography from the University of Utah, before earning his M.S. and Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. These formative years marked the start of his long-standing commitment to spatial analysis, systems modeling, and economic development. From his early days as Assistant Professor and Research Associate at Northern Illinois University to his rise as Associate Professor and Associate Director for Research Computing at The Ohio State University, Jackson has continually evolved the scope of his expertise—merging computational methods with policy-oriented frameworks long before it became commonplace.
In 2002, Dr. Jackson assumed the directorship of WVU’s Regional Research Institute, where he served for two transformative decades. Under his leadership, the RRI became a powerhouse of applied research, securing nearly $30 million in external funding and attracting visiting scholars from around the world. His stewardship expanded the institute’s global reach, nurturing graduate students from over 15 countries and fostering interdisciplinary research collaborations. Notably, he spearheaded the development of IO-Snap, a leading-edge economic modeling platform used widely in impact assessment, planning, and regional forecasting.
At the heart of Dr. Jackson’s legacy lies his groundbreaking contributions to input-output analysis and interregional accounting frameworks. He has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and technical documents on topics ranging from environmental economics to industry clustering. His work appears in top-tier journals such as The Energy Journal, Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, and the International Regional Science Review. His 2020 publication, Input-Output Analysis: A Primer, remains a cornerstone reference in applied economic modeling.
Beyond his academic accolades, Jackson has made a formidable impact in the public and private sectors through strategic advisory and expert consulting. He has collaborated with the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and the Appalachian Regional Commission, among other agencies, on projects ranging from coal industry transition strategies to energy policy modeling. He has also served as an expert witness in high-profile litigation involving economic, environmental, and health assessments, lending his analytical clarity and empirical rigor to complex legal and policy debates.
As a board advisor and public speaker, Jackson offers deep insights on supply chain dynamics, regional resilience, economic diversification, and innovation ecosystems. His leadership has informed regional development strategies across Appalachia and beyond, with a special focus on fostering economic opportunities in historically underinvested communities. His analytical methods have helped shape scoring mechanisms for POWER Grants and aided in informing decisions on renewable energy infrastructure, helping to align public investment with long-term regional viability.
Dr. Jackson’s service to the broader academic and professional community is equally noteworthy. He has held numerous leadership positions, including President and Treasurer of the Southern Regional Science Association, Chair of the North American Regional Science Council, and editorial board member for several high-impact journals. He is a Fellow of both the Regional Science Association International and the Southern Regional Science Association—honors reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional and sustained contributions to the field.
Jackson’s rare ability to navigate both the micro and macro dimensions of economic systems makes him an invaluable asset to corporate boards, advisory councils, and policy think tanks. His experience spans a spectrum of industries—including energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, and finance—where he advises on everything from environmental-social-governance (ESG) strategies to spatial data integration. At EconAlyze, LLC, he continues to deliver data-informed solutions that drive innovation, reduce risk, and support evidence-based decision-making across sectors.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Jackson brings creativity and a lifelong love of learning to everything he does. A student of jazz guitar, he values the interplay of structure and improvisation—an ethos that also defines his approach to economic modeling and strategic analysis. His personal mission is to equip organizations with the knowledge and foresight to turn uncertainty into opportunity.
As he seeks to expand his influence through corporate and nonprofit board service, Dr. Jackson brings a deeply cultivated skill set in systems thinking, strategic planning, and transformative analytics. He is particularly interested in partnering with organizations poised at critical inflection points—those seeking to redefine their regional impact, improve operational resilience, or embed sustainability into the core of their strategy.
Character:
Dr. Jackson is defined by his steadfast integrity, humility, and commitment to public good. He builds trusted relationships across disciplines and sectors, fostering a collaborative environment that uplifts others and advances shared goals.
Knowledge:
A globally respected thought leader, he has built a legacy of expertise in economic systems modeling, environmental policy, and regional development. His thought leadership and scholarly output reflect an unparalleled depth and breadth of knowledge.
Strategic:
Dr. Jackson has designed and led complex multi-institutional research initiatives that have reshaped policy at local, national, and international levels. His foresight and analytical acuity allow him to guide organizations through economic transition and growth.
Communication:
Equally at home with technical experts and non-specialist stakeholders, he brings clarity and context to even the most complex data. Whether in the classroom, the courtroom, or the boardroom, his ability to distill insights into impactful narratives sets him apart.
