BARBERTON, Ohio — Barberton Community Foundation is investing in research that could help answer one of the most important questions facing communities navigating the legacy of deindustrialization: What separates cities that achieve long-term economic growth from those that do not?
Through a new Economic Prosperity Research Fellowship in partnership with Kent State University, the Foundation will support a year-long study examining the factors that have helped some historically industrial cities thrive in an evolving economy while others have struggled to regain momentum after the effects of deindustrialization took root.
Led by Shawn Rohlin, Ph.D., professor of economics and director of the John S. and Marlene J. Brinzo Center for Entrepreneurship at Kent State University’s Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, along with Malia Pittsenberger, a Kent State graduate student, the fellowship will generate data-driven insights intended to inform economic development, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and long-term community planning in Barberton and similar communities across the Midwest.
“By examining why some historically industrial communities have prospered while others have struggled, this research can provide local leaders with valuable evidence on what strategies are most likely to create economic opportunity,” Rohlin said. “Our goal is to help communities make more informed decisions that support sustainable growth and improve quality of life for residents.”
For Barberton Community Foundation, the value of the fellowship extends beyond research. It is an investment in giving local leaders better information to guide future decisions.
“Strong communities make decisions based on evidence, not assumptions,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation. “This fellowship represents an investment in understanding what truly drives economic prosperity so community leaders can make better decisions about Barberton's future.”
The first project will analyze the economic and demographic characteristics of historically industrial cities across the United States, comparing communities that experienced significant growth with those that did not. Researchers will examine business development patterns, industry mix, entrepreneurship, employment trends, educational attainment, and other factors associated with long-term economic success.
Using extensive business and demographic data, researchers will identify communities that closely resembled Barberton in previous decades and evaluate the factors that contributed to their economic outcomes.
The second project will create practical tools that can help community leaders, economic development professionals, and entrepreneurs make more informed decisions. One tool will evaluate factors associated with business success based on industry and local market conditions. Another will identify gaps in a community's business landscape by comparing it to cities that have experienced sustained economic growth.
The tools and findings developed through the fellowship are intended to support better decision-making around economic development, entrepreneurship, workforce opportunities, and community growth in Barberton while generating insights that may benefit other Midwestern communities facing similar challenges.
“Barberton has a long history of innovation, manufacturing, and resilience,” Gordon said. “This partnership gives us the opportunity to learn from communities that have successfully navigated economic change and apply those lessons to help Barberton continue to thrive through an ever-evolving economy.”
Research activities will begin in July 2026 and continue through June 2027.
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About Barberton Community Foundation
Established in 1996, Barberton Community Foundation has awarded over 8,500 grants and scholarships totaling more than $109 million since its inception. The Foundation strives to improve, now and forever, the quality of life for Barberton residents by providing leadership on vital issues, fostering collaboration and creating a legacy of giving to do good. The Foundation strengthens the community for current and future generations by proactively directing its grant dollars to the community’s greatest needs. To read more about Barberton Community Foundation, visitwww.barbertoncf.orgor follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/barbertoncommunityfoundation.
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