About Us
Curve Strategic Research helps organizations turn complex data into clear, actionable direction. We combine rigorous research with strategic analysis to uncover what matters most—so our clients can move forward with confidence.
But meaningful insight doesn’t come from data alone. Our work is grounded in direct, authentic engagement with the communities behind the numbers. By integrating lived experience with disciplined analysis, we ensure that every insight is not only evidence-based, but real, relevant, and actionable.
At CSR, we bridge the gap between data and decision-making. Our clients don’t just receive findings—they gain clarity, confidence, and strategies that stand up in the real world.
Curve Strategic Research is located on Treaty 7 territory, the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy — Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika — and we honour the Siksikaitsitapi as the traditional and current Land Keepers of this area. We also recognize the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.
Key Services
01 Strategic Planning & Needs Assessments
We help organizations understand where they are today and define a clear path forward. Through evidence-based analysis and meaningful engagement, we identify priorities, gaps, and opportunities for growth.
We support:
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Needs assessments and strategic planning processes
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Stakeholder and community engagement
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Environmental scanning and opportunity identification
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Internal capacity analysis
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Monitoring and evaluation frameworks
02 Institutional Research
We provide data-driven insights to support internal decision-making, planning, and performance measurement. Our work helps organizations better understand their operations, outcomes, and long-term impact.
We support:
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Internal data analysis and reporting
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Labour market analysis
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Program evaluation and monitoring
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Quantitative data analysis
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Economic and operational insights
03 Market & Economic Research
We help organizations understand external environments, markets, and opportunities. Our research provides the evidence needed to assess feasibility, evaluate concepts, and support informed investment decisions.
We support:
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Market research and industry analysis
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Concept assessments and feasibility studies
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Industry and stakeholder engagement
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Economic impact analysis
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External environmental scanning
Our Team
With a wealth of diverse expertise, our consultants at CSR deliver innovative solutions and strategic insights tailored to each project, ensuring client satisfaction through professional excellence.
Charles McArthur, MFRE
Owner/Senior Researcher
Charles McArthur is a skilled analyst with over 20 years of experience collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data to support evidence-informed decision making. Having led major research projects across a range of industries, Charles understands that high-quality data is only part of the solution. To be truly valuable, data must be relevant, clear, and meaningful to decision-makers. This requires developing a deep understanding of each client’s needs and the broader market context in which they operate. Charles holds a Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE) from the University of British Columbia.
Kate Pankowska, PhD
Associate Researcher
Kate Pankowska is an international economist with extensive experience in cost-benefit analysis, economic impact assessment, and development project appraisal. She has worked as a consultant with the World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), contributing to large-scale projects across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Her expertise includes econometric modeling, policy analysis, and monitoring and evaluation, with a strong focus on agriculture, natural resources, and sustainable development. Dr. Pankowska holds a PhD in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of British Columbia and has a proven track record of delivering rigorous, high-impact analytical work in fast-paced, international environments.
Recent Projects & Partnerships
01
Red Crow Community College (RCCC)
CSR is supporting the development of RCCC’s Mokakssin Centre for Blackfoot Research and Resilience through both a comprehensive needs assessment and broader strategic advisory work. The needs assessment is identifying community priorities and informing the Centre’s future research direction. In parallel, CSR is supporting policy and process development, communications, and relationship-building to help establish a strong, community-grounded foundation for the Centre.
03
Red Deer Polytechnic
(RDP)
CSR supported Red Deer Polytechnic and its partners in securing grant funding for a series of initiatives within the commercial transportation sector and is leading the needs assessments that inform their design and delivery. Through targeted stakeholder and industry engagement, this work ensures that project activities are grounded in real labour market needs. The resulting insights are helping shape initiatives that are aligned with industry demand and positioned for long-term impact.
05
Southwest Alberta Graduate Retention Strategy
CSR led a regional research project on graduate retention, working with post-secondaries and municipalities across Southwest Alberta. Through extensive stakeholder engagement and analysis, the project generated practical strategies that continue to inform retention initiatives and support workforce development across the region.
02
Town of Olds/Invest Olds
CSR conducted an industry cluster analysis for the Town of Olds to identify key economic strengths and emerging sectors within Central Alberta. Using regional labour market information and advanced industry cluster analysis techniques, this work identified priority industries for a subsequent supply chain analysis and economic development initiative.
04
Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra (LSO)
CSR completed an audience development study for the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra, combining an environmental scan with a large-scale patron survey. The project provided clear, actionable insights to support both audience retention and growth, helping the LSO strengthen engagement with current patrons while identifying new market opportunities.
06
Lethbridge Polytechnic
CSR has supported Lethbridge Polytechnic on a range of projects, including new program assessments, surveys, and enrolment and market trend analysis. Most recently, CSR provided training and mentorship to institutional research staff.
Contact Us
1233 7th Ave. South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 1K6
Email: charles@curveresearch.ca
Tel: 403-715-2332
