The Center's primary roles are research and public service. CBER conducts applied economic and business research and disseminates the results of this research. Active economic forecasting and publications programs are important to fulfilling this mission. The Center promotes and supports economic development throughout Alabama.

CBER collects, maintains, analyzes, and releases business and economic data. More than 1,000 monthly and quarterly data series are stored in the Center's microcomputer-based databanks. CBER's data resources are enhanced by its participation as Alabama's lead agency in the U.S. Bureau of the Census State Data Center Program and as a member of the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis State User Group.