The Center for Economic Development Research (CEDR) was a Type II research center that was part of the USF College of Business Administration. CEDR's mission was to initiate and conduct innovative research on economic development. CEDR's data center and web site served to enhance development efforts at the University of South Florida, its College of Business, throughout the Tampa Bay region, and the State of Florida.

CEDR provided the university community, local communities, and Tampa Bay’s economic development professionals with information and analysis on a wide range of urban, regional, and international issues affecting the seven-county region. Research results are reported in CEDR's quarterly economic report, The Tampa Bay Economy.