Retirement Research Center

DCIIA’s Retirement Research Center (RRC) conducts rigorous, industry-informed research that is focused on actionable insights. We adhere to a disciplined research methodology, governance, and validation process. Our goal is to serve the industry and stakeholders as a reliable, fact-based, and authoritative research resource supporting improved financial and retirement security through public policy, behavioral factors that affect decision-making, and innovation.

Types of Research

• Strategic projects: Ongoing, core projects for DCIIA and with RRC members
• Partner projects: Collaborations with the RRC and strategic research partners
• Proprietary projects: Based on tactical needs/opportunities through the RRC Private Label

Current RRC Research Agenda

• Custom Target Date Funds (cTDFs) (open to RRC members)
• Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) (open to RRC members)
• Retirement Income (open to RRC members)
  
• AARP/RRC: Expanding the Reach and Efficacy of Financial Wellness Programs and Benefits
• AARP/RRC: Rainy Day Fund
• DCIIA/Aspen Institute: Creating Racially Equitable Savings Outcomes in the DC System
• Core Fund Lineup with Focus on Alternative Investments (Launching soon - open to RRC members)
• Managed Accounts in DC Plans (Launching soon - open to RRC members)
• Design Matters (Launching soon – open to RRC members)

If you would like to get involved with an RRC project or have other questions, visit the exclusive RRC member site or contact us us on info@dciia.org.

Regular RRC Updates

• Bi-Weekly Research Minute
• Quarterly RRC Post Newsletters
• RRC Workshops
• Topical Webinars
• Biannual Research Summits
• Progress Briefs on Strategic Projects 

The RRC offers members access to exclusive research files, event recordings, and raw data from previous projects. While the RRC is working through 2025 projects, RRC members can access data files, moderator guides, screeners, and more for the following projects:

Employee Survey: Personalization & Next Best Dollar

Workers’ Views on Financial Wellness

Who Is Being Left Behind? A Quantitative Analysis

Communication Study with Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS)

Engaging Participants: Communication Strategies for Defined Contribution Plan Sponsors

Retiree Spending Study

Plan Sponsor Decision Making

Plan Sponsor Biennial Survey