Does Los Angeles Have What It Takes To Be a Leader for 21st Century Metropolises?

In The Planning Report, Bruce Katz shares his views on the role of metropolitan areas, such as Los Angeles, to usher in new waves of advanced manufacturing and industries. As the urbanization trend continues, Katz explains how leaders of metropolitan regions can make conscious decisions to shape a future that strategically invests in infrastructure and human capital.

Looking at the Los Angeles County's strategic plan for economic development to 2020, Katz believes that Los Angeles has the unique assets as well as the area to continue attracting business, talent, and innovation, and to remain competitive with cities around the world. Noting that Los Angeles has particular interest in water innovation for both hardware and software, he explains, "In the global economy, we’re beginning to revalue quality products and smart products driven by technology and software."

Author of The Metropolitan Revolution, Katz takes notes of Los Angeles' efforts to advance partnerships between universities, start-ups, and advanced manufacturing opportunities.

The premise for cities is simple: How do you become the best 21st-century version of yourself, leveraging your distinctive strengths and opportunities?

Katz explains that as the global economy favors cities and metropolitan areas that can create an ecosystem of "innovation districts," where a direct line is drawn between companies, clusters, and the competencies of their academic institutions.