The U.S. Conference of Mayors has released a new report on the impact of global competitiion on our cities. The picture is mixed, with the biggest challenges facing the Midwest. Read more.

As the article notes: "[D]eclines in manufacturing due in part to outsourcing will contribute to a softening of the nation's overall output, with blows to cities such as Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit and Pittsburgh."

You can download the report here.

The report underscores the imperative to accelerate our innovation economy in Northeast Ohio.

Other regions are moving ahead in this way. Last week, a commission in Rhode Island released recommendations on building an innovation economy in that state. Read more. You can download a copy of the report here.

The Department of Labor has compiled a useful list of suggested readings on innovation. Learn more.