The Institute for Community and Industrial Research and Service was formed at Bucknell University in 1967. The name changed to the Institute for Regional Affairs in 1969 and closed at the end of the 1975/1976 academic year in June 1976. The Institute was established to target the reciprocal needs of the community and University. It would make the expertise of University faculty, professional staff, and students available to local and area organizations, agencies and governments. This work served as an outlet for professional development and student field experience for the Bucknell community. The Institute consulted and assisted with studies and reports related to community and economic development and provided members of the community with opportunities for continuing education.

The Institute initially received financial support from grants from the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company and the Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PENNTAP) and continued to be funded by grants and contracts for research and services. Melvyn L. Woodward '53 was the director from 1967 until early 1976. The Institute was guided by a Regional Advisory Committee made up of Bucknell faculty and administrators and a Regional Advisory Board that was made up of regional business and civic leaders.