It’s all about economic clusters – Understanding how some cities have transformed shows why focusing on the little things can help struggling places survive and thrive.

Today’s globalized, technology-powered economy rewards deep pools of specialized, highly skilled talent. It rewards access to global networks, both physical, like international airports, and those linking human capital. What’s more, the talent needed in these industries is attracted to "thick" labor markets — those with both many job openings and a deep labor pool to compete for them — to high-amenity environments and increasingly, though not exclusively, to dynamic urban neighborhoods.

by Aaron M. Renn

Full Story: http://www.governing.com/columns/eco-engines/gov-urban-future.html