The Brookings Institution: Metropolitan Areas and the Next Economy

The Brookings Institution recently reported that an analysis of 2009 data on U.S. metropolitan areas’ contribution to state populations and economies, including a focus on key attributes that can drive the next round of U.S. economic growth, finds that:

• in 47 out of 50 states, metropolitan areas generate the majority of state economic output. Only in Montana, Vermont, and Wyoming does a majority of economic activity occur outside metro areas.
• in 15 states, one large metropolitan area alone accounts for the bulk of economic output.
• the most innovative and educated workers in states cluster in metro areas. While metro areas account for the majority of population in 44 states, they house a majority of scientists and engineers in 48 states. In the typical state, metro areas contain a 10 percent greater share of statewide scientists and engineers than overall population. Metro areas exhibit similar advantages in gathering educated workers.
• in 30 states, metro areas among the 100 largest nationwide generate a majority of internationally exported goods and services. In states where metro areas specialize in advanced manufacturing and services, large metro areas vastly out-perform other areas in export production. In more agriculturally-oriented states, smaller metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas generate disproportionate shares of statewide exports.
• metropolitan areas nationwide boast disproportionate shares of the assets that will drive the next wave of U.S. economic growth. (With 84 percent of the nation’s population, all 366 metropolitan areas together produce 85 percent of U.S. exports, and are home to 86 percent of its lower-carbon commuters [those not driving alone to work], 89 percent of working-age people with a post-secondary degree, and 93 percent of individuals employed in science and engineering occupations.)

The Brookings Institution advises that the economic future for states hinges largely on the performance of their metropolitan economies, which bring together the innovative firms, educated workers, and critical infrastructure that will propel the next wave of U.S. economic growth. To successfully transition to the next economy, states should place economic development strategies in the service of metropolitan-led visions for economic growth, building from the distinctive assets and market strengths of these regions to grow quality jobs and promote sustainable, statewide prosperity.

To access the complete Bookings Institution report, please visit:

Brookings: Metropolitan Areas and the Next Economy: A 50-State Analysis

Additional Information:

Interactive Map: Metropolitan Areas and the Next Economy

Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program

Bruce Katz: Revitalizing America’s Metro Areas (14 APR 10)