The competitiveness of a region largely consists of the quality of its economic foundations, including human capital and the physical infrastructure. The term “competitiveness” largely is synonymous with “business climate.” Economic development refers to efforts to improve the economic well-being and quality of life in a region by retaining and creating jobs, and by maintaining and increasing incomes.
University Economist Reports
The Economic Base of Arizona, Metropolitan Phoenix, Metropolitan Tucson, the Balance of the State, and Chandler (PDF), June 2012
The economic base in 2009 and the change in the base between 2001 and 2009 are examined. The data are available from three Excel files:
Arizona, Metro Phoenix, Metro Tucson and Balance of State, 2009
Chandler, 2009
Arizona and Chandler, 2001-09 Change
An Assessment of Arizona's Economic Competitiveness (PDF), May 2012
A summary of Arizona's competitiveness position following legislative actions in 2011 and 2012.
Causes of Varying Economic Performance By State (PDF), March 2011
Economic growth by state since 2000, particularly during the 2002-07 expansion and during the 2008-09 recession, is examined in this report.
A Comparison of Arizona to Nations of Comparable Size (PDF), July 2009
Compares Arizona to 11 nations with developed economies of comparable size on a range of economic and demographic data.
The Contribution of Universities to Regional Economies (PDF), May 2009
A summary of the three ways that universities contribute to the local economy: as an economic base industry, as an institution of higher education, and as a research institution.
Preparing for an Arizona of 10 Million People: Meeting the Infrastructure Challenges of Growth (PDF), November 2008
A shorter version of the background report (see below), this report was distributed at the infrastructure conference held at Arizona State University on November 17, 2008.
Preparing for an Arizona of 10 Million People: Meeting the Infrastructure Challenges of Growth – Background Report (PDF), October 2008
Arizona's infrastructure needs are placed into national and historical contexts, the changing conditions in infrastructure provision that make building Arizona's infrastructure in the future a more problematic proposition than in the past are identified, and projections of the possible costs of providing infrastructure in Arizona over the next quarter century are provided.
The Contribution of Universities to Regional Economies (PDF), March 2008
Presented to the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, this report addresses three ways that a university contributes to its local community: traditional economic impact, benefits to individuals and society, and creation of knowledge.
Targeting Federal Laboratories as a Catalyst for Private Investment in Research and Development (PDF), January 2008
A brief discussion of how the attraction of a federally funded research and development center would aid economic development, particularly private-sector research and development.
University Research and Local Economic Development (PDF), August 2006
A review of studies that examine the extent to which university research contributes to economic growth and development.
Lessons From the Irish Miracle (PDF), June 2005
An analysis of Ireland’s dramatic improvement in economic growth and prosperity, with comparisons to Arizona.
Related Articles and Reports
State Competitiveness Report, Beacon Hill Institute, annual
Building Arizona's Future: Jobs, Innovation & Competitiveness (PDF), 96th Arizona Town Hall, April 2010
Charting A Course for Arizona's Technology-Based Economic Development (PDF), Milken Institute, December 15, 2009
Innovative Thinking: Meeting Arizona's Infrastructure Needs, Knowledge@W. P. Carey, November 19, 2008
Heads Up, Arizona, Part 5: The Huge Cost of Transportation Infrastructure to 2032, Knowledge@W. P. Carey, August 13, 2008
Heads Up, Arizona, Part 4: The Cost of Telecommunications Infrastructure to 2032, Knowledge@W. P. Carey, July 30, 2008
Heads Up, Arizona, Part 3: The Cost of Energy Infrastructure to 2032, Knowledge@W. P. Carey, June 18, 2008
Heads Up, Arizona, Part 2: The Cost of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure to 2032, Knowledge@W. P. Carey, June 4, 2008
Heads Up, Arizona, Part 1: The High Cost of Getting Ready for Growth, Knowledge@W. P. Carey, June 4, 2008
Infrastructure Needs and Funding Alternatives for Arizona: 2008-2032 (PDF), ASU L. William Seidman Research Institute, prepared for the Arizona Investment Council, May 2008
Developing a Globally Competitive Economy: Challenges and Opportunities, Knowledge@W. P. Carey, November 8, 2006
The Effects of University Research on Local Economies, Knowledge@W. P. Carey, September 13, 2006
Study: Tax-Break Incentives for Business Seldom Pay Off, Knowledge@W. P. Carey, May 10, 2005
Related Links
Greater Phoenix Economic Council
Harvard Business School Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness
National Competitiveness Council (Ireland)