The U.S. economy enters 2007 having enjoyed five consecutive years of economic growth. This expansion would not have been possible without the strength and durability of its 361 metropolitan area economies.

A key element behind the economic development and success of metro areas is the proximity of businesses and skilled labor. The easy access to and synergy provided by resources such as labor, extensive business networks, and cutting-edge research at institutes of higher learning attract both capital and entrepreneurs to metro areas. As a result, metro areas are at the center of the development of many new technologies, such as nanotechnology, and play a major role in shaping the future economic development of the U.S. economy and its global competitiveness.

Full Study
The Role of Metro Areas in the U.S. Economy

• Introduction
• The Recent Performance of Metropolitan Area Economies
• The Economic Outlook
• The Boom-and-Bust Cycle in Real Estate and Construction
• The Scope of Metro Area Economies
• Conclusion

For more information on the U.S. Regional Service or the study, please contact
Jim Diffley
U.S. Regional Service
+1 (610) 490-2642
james.diffley@globalinsight.com