Our U.S. Competitiveness Initiative at Harvard Business School has been one of the most wide-ranging and impactful efforts of its kind, combining rigorous research with practical engagement. We have developed competitiveness profiles for all 50 states, enabling policymakers and business leaders to benchmark performance and identify opportunities for improvement. The U.S. Cluster Mapping Project—a comprehensive, open-access data resource—has provided unprecedented insights into the geographic distribution, specialization, and performance of industry clusters nationwide. Our work has also included in-depth regional studies, such as the Clusters of Innovation project, and targeted initiatives like the Massachusetts Life Sciences Initiative. These efforts have informed both national policy discussions and local economic development strategies, strengthening the U.S. capacity to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.
