CEI has a threefold mission:

• Promote sustainable natural resources and economic development in South Carolina through strategic alliances and solutions-focused activities.

• Conduct research, teaching and outreach to develop and implement technologies and integrated technical/economic/social solutions that can be applied to both South Carolina and nationwide to ensure smart economic development and social equity.

• Generate new knowledge and provide information, assessments and solutions to individuals, groups, local and state government agencies, and industry in South Carolina.