New York, London and Paris are the most “global” cities in the world, i.e. those that best know how to attract and retain companies, talent, ideas, capital and innovation, generating benefits that extend well beyond their borders. The map of leader destinations is however set to change significantly in the next 10-20 years: the rankings will be topped by the cities currently defined as “emerging” that are best able to develop their human capital, business activity and innovation.
These conclusions emerged from the Global Cities Index compiled by consultancy A.T. Kearney, which looked at the global credentials of 85 cities in five continents. The companion Emerging Cities Outlook identifies the 35 cities of low- and middle-income countries with the greatest potential for development in the next decade. The purpose of the study is to provide companies with recommendations on where to direct future investment, and to give politicians and city managers tools on which to base programmes to promote competitiveness.