CPSE Center for Innovation

The CPSE Center for Innovation (CPSE CFI) launched in 2024 as a wholly owned 501(c)(3) nonprofit subsidiary to catalyze innovation in the fire and emergency service and address the industry-wide gap in evidence-based decision making by sharing innovative solutions developed by accredited agencies and credentialed professionals. The Center operates as a think tank, research incubator, and resource hub with programs designed to diffuse innovation and support decision makers with data and expertise.

The CPSE CFI organizes its work around five program areas:

• Actionable Research: Works with researchers to produce practical recommendations and implementation strategies informed by public administration and policy research.
• Innovation Museum: Showcases proven practices from CPSE accredited agencies and designees, including case studies, webinars and educational content. FireRescue1 serves as the exclusive media partner.
• Expert Finder: Curates and connects subject-matter experts, and fosters development of new expertise through mentorship, sponsorship, and visibility.
• Innovation Training and Facilitation: Provides workshops, talks, bootcamps and handbooks designed to equip departments and leaders with tools to develop tailored solutions to local challenges.
• Insight Hub: Uses artificial intelligence via a proprietary large language model to analyze decades of CPSE agency information and deliver focused insights for specific questions or challenges.