Indicator discussions: 10 categories dissect what makes a city thrive
The more cities change, the more forward-looking perspective matters…
Our measures are designed to favor holistic capital market centers with vibrant economies and strong quality of life. Correlation analyses help show our thinking is going in the right direction. A strong positive correlation exists between good economic and social indicators including: intellectual capital and innovation; health, safety and security; ease of doing business; technology readiness; and demographics and livability. Here’s a quick look at a few from this year's Cities of Opportunity report.
Virtually all academic, business and policy observers view intellectual capital and the innovation that springs from it as the engine of social and economic development. This is clearly an asset that takes steady commitment, long-term thinking and resources to build.
Mature cities are not necessarily non-competitive based on costs. Eight of the top 10 are from the developed world.
Cities divide neatly between those enjoying long-term stability and relative affluence and those still striving to either get ahead or establish a new, resilient fabric of life.