Biography

Joe Carley serves as the Director of Research Initiatives and Economic Development for Indiana University. This role bridges IU’s research and economic development functions and reports to both the Vice Presidents for Research and University Relations. Carley focuses on advancing IU’s role as a vital economic anchor for Indiana and facilitating IU’s responsiveness to the evolving needs of the state’s key industry sectors.
 
Carley’s responsibilities include growing strategic partnerships, attracting external funding for applied research, and coordinating IU’s participation in major economic development initiatives. He has a particular focus on the Indiana Uplands regional economy. He was actively involved in creating the Applied Research Institute, the IU Center for Rural Engagement, and the Uplands Science and Technology Foundation, which supports WestGate@Crane Technology Park. And he has played a leading role in IU’s participation in the CHIPS + Science Act.
 
Carley holds an undergraduate degree in public administration from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, a master’s in urban and regional planning, with a focus on regional economic planning, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a law degree from IU’s Maurer School of Law.