Based on reports from the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory and on interviews with directors of seven other regional educational research laboratories, this report summarizes critical elements that have enabled the laboratories to sustain a viable set of research and development activities. A brief review is presented of: (1) the purpose and procedures of the study; (2) the historical perspective of regional educational laboratories; (3) the essential ingredients of a successful regional educational laboratory; and (4) recommendations for planning a new regional laboratory. (JD)