To analyze the patenting strengths of Illinois, this Policy Update looks beyond a more typical analysis of aggregate number or per-capita utility patents, known as "patents for inventions," to examine the considerations that inventors and businesses face when seeking patents. Although most patent analyses focus on broad trends, patenting is not equally important or advantageous across all industries or types of inventions.  Inventors face a complex set of decisions when deciding whether to patent their work.

One of the key factors in Metropolitan Chicago's economic success is its unparalleled freight assets -- seven interstate highways, six of North America's seven Class I railroads, the nation's fourth busiest cargo airport, and access to the St. Lawrence Waterway.

“PHX East Valley continues to make strides with the water challenge Arizona is facing,” said Roc Arnett, CEO of East Valley Partnership. “Leaders and organizations in the region work together to implement and create innovative water efficiency strategies that will continue to impact the state’s economy in a positive light,” Arnett said.

Arizona Water At A Glance:

PHX East Valley Shapes a Path for Future Generations

Thousands of students will graduate from higher education entities in the Greater Phoenix area this May. As students order graduation caps and gowns, businesses in the PHX East Valley are preparing to hire the next generation of qualified workers.

               Metropolitan Chicago's ability to move goods quickly and efficiently has never been more important than in today's globalized economy. Intermediate and finished goods now must move great distances. Since the end of the recession, U.S. imports and exports increased by 36 and 38 percent respectively.

Decades of aviation investment and planning in Arizona’s Phoenix (PHX) East Valley has provided the optimal landscape for aerospace, defense and aviation, and high-tech industries to thrive and grow. These industries also support cargo and R&D, and maintenance and repair business development. With this array of aviation and aerospace assets, including two commercial service airports and two of the busiest general aviation airports in the country, the region has become a key point of commerce in the Southwest.

The year 2015 is a coming-of-age turning point for Arizona’s Phoenix (PHX) East Valley. Local governments and private sector initiatives have transformed the area from a Fortune 500 business relocation magnet to a region that can grow its own industry game changers. Areas of skilled workforce, innovation, and robust infrastructure are driving emerging business and helping to revive recovering sectors.

Brookings -- Innovation and STEM-worker (science, technology, engineering, and math) intensive “advanced industries” are the prime movers of regional and national economic competitiveness in the United States. Industries like aerospace and auto, oil and gas extraction, or software and health IT stand at the forefront of the most disruptive technological and business dynamics of the moment, and will be central to U.S. prosperity going forward.

The National Association of Counties and the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Research Foundation, with support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, have launched a new competition for communities experiencing economic challenges resulting from the contraction of the coal industry.

Join NACo and NADO on Thursday, 1/22 at 2pm ET to learn more about the challenge and ask questions to competition organizers. For more information about the competition, please read more.