How to Grow New York's Economy

Ed Glaeser argues that given the right conditions, start-ups can drive the city's economic future.

1 minute read

November 17, 2010, 5:00 AM PST

By Lynn Vande Stouwe


Historically, entrepreneurship has been a key element of New York's economic success, says Glaeser, but in recent times the city has become overly reliant on a single industry: finance. He argues that with a 9.6 percent unemployment rate (slightly higher than the national average), the city should focus on minimizing regulations that make it difficult to start new businesses and attracting smart, creative residents.

Glaeser writes:

"New York's economy will never recover from the downturn by trying to compete with China's labor costs or with Houston's housing costs...Rather, New York's success will depend on its ability to produce a steady stream of new products and ideas."

Monday, November 15, 2010 in City Journal

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