The Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise develops and promotes innovative, market-based solutions to vital economic issues. With the belief that private enterprise is the cornerstone of a prosperous and free society, the institute fosters the entrepreneurial spirit to stimulate economic prosperity and improve the lives of people in North Carolina, across the country and around the world.
We host a number of conferences, speakers and other events each year, both in person and virtual. We invite you to join us as we explore the most pressing issues in business today.
Save the date for October 8, 2026, for the Frontiers of Business Conference — where ideas become action, insights drive innovation and collaboration sparks real-world change.
Join our monthly economic briefings as Kenan Institute experts analyze the latest employment report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and discuss top-of-mind business topics.
Chief Economist Gerald Cohen took a fresh look at our Five Economic Trends for 2026 and analyzed a disappointing jobs report in our August 2026 briefing.
Each year, a few Luther Hodges Scholars elect to lead a yearlong honors thesis, a rigorous research project that’s far different from their classroom learning.
You’ll find our experts on our monthly briefings and in print, broadcast and digital outlets throughout North Carolina, across the country and around the world. See what they’ve been saying recently.