Industrial Recruitment And Economic Development: A Positional Analysis Of Competing Southeastern States

Abstract

In this study of industrial recruitment and economic development, perceptual mapping was used to identify the collective and individual positions of 10 competing southeastern states. The perceived position of the "ideal" state also was captured by the study's findings. Industrial real estate executives who were surveyed indicated that some states have positioned themselves strategically in terms of quality of life, whereas others are recognized because of their resources and markets or pro-business environment. Some states appear better able to take advantage of their position, whereas others face economic development obstacles.