Regional Clustering and Innovation Strengthens Exports, Report Finds

"Strong Manufacturing and patent producing metropolitan areas generate the highest shares of exports from their output," according to a recent Brookings report. Researchers at the Brookings Institute found that the top exporting U.S. metros also were significantly more innovative. In this study, innovation was defined by the rate of patent production. Metros with regional clusters also were more likely to export than those without strong regional clusters. The report recommends that U.S. metros should develop metropolitan export initiatives that focus on innovation to increase their export capabilities and modernize their economic development strategy from 20th century thinking to 21st century action on export oriented economic growth.

Full Story: http://www.ssti.org/Digest/2010/082510.htm#story4