Research activities at CBEST are divided into four overarching programs:

1. Regional Economic Development and Trade Group

The REDT Group activities include: developing econometric models to forecast regional economic indicators; assessing maquiladora activities, their managerial challenges and the impact of maquiladoras on the local economy; input/output analysis; and cost analysis.

Research Associates: John Sargent (Group Coordinator)

2. Labor Market and Immigration Group

The LMI Group activities include: studies assessing the evolution of border labor markets; immigration and employment; human capital and earnings; self-employment and entrepreneurship; and gender/labor issues.

Research Associates: Marie T. Mora (Group Coordinator); Alberto Dávila; José A. Pagán; Chad Richardson

3. Health/Environmental Policy Group

The HEP Group activities include: community based studies on health outcomes; the economic and social impact of diabetes; mental health; benefit-cost analyses of treatments and social/community programs; border environmental issues.

Research Associates: Elena Bastida (Group Coordinator); José A. Pagán; Esperanza Briones

4. Information Technology Group

The IT Group activities include: assessment of information technology infrastructure in border communities; evaluating information technology needs; education and information technology.

Research Associates: Richard Fowler (Group Coordinator)