Brewed Fresh Daily

Over the long haul, the key to regional sustainability is the diversity of its ecosystem. A metro must be able to innovate, start, grow and attract new firms continually to augment the diversity of its economic ecosystem and replace larger, older firms that may stagnate, exit or even disappear. Entrepreneurial capacity and behavior are prime drivers of economic growth and job creation. Entrepreneurs are necessary visionaries of the economic potential of new technologies and how to apply them to business concept innovations. Regional economic dynamism is epitomized by fast-growing, entrepreneurial companies. For a metro area to be successful over the long haul, it has to have capable entrepreneurs. The very foundation of the theory of clustered economies rests upon the dynamic rejuvenation capability of the cluster. Over the long-term, cities with strength in entrepreneurship will be among our Best Performing Cities � large and small. Capital Access: "[M]etros that develop deep private capital markets are poised for expansion." Human/Creative Capital: "A successful metro will develop, nurture and support a growing knowledge-based economy." Innovation Capacity: "Investment in R&D strengthens local research competency and attracts further investments by the private and public sectors in a process of dynamic feedback loops. Access to the latest innovations is attractive to companies because it provides them with an important source from which to create a competitive advantage over businesses without such proximity. It�s not just about the research, but what is done with it that counts." Globalization/International Integration Attributes: "Regions must link to the global economy. Clusters linked to the outside world offer access to an industry�s best practices and latest developments. A metro area�s global orientation ensures expanding markets for its firms. Each city�s network of public and private institutions plays a key role in determining the locale�s competitiveness - maximizing the rate of return on assets. A 'best performing city' values and nurtures all of these ingredients."