Analysis of Global Competitiveness of Selected Industries and Clusters in the Appalachian Region.

摘要

This study assesses the opportunities and challenges posed by trade liberalization to regional producers and exporters of goods and services within the Appalachian Region. Utilizing a number of manufacturing industry clusters for case study research, the study analyzes the export potential of regional manufacturing industries and evaluates the transportation infrastructure needs for expanded trade operations and shipments. The six industry clusters were selected based on findings from prior Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) studies, analysis of production and trade data, and discussions with representatives of the Export Trade Advisory Council (ETAC). These industry clusters include: auto parts, electronic components, wooden household furniture, upholstered household furniture, food processing machinery and packaging machinery. The study analyzed the overall competitiveness of these clusters based on an analysis of each sectors relative labor costs, labor productivity, capital investment trends, capacity utilization, industrial concentration, regional transactions, and environmental costs as they related to trends in foreign direct investment. In addition, the export potential of each sector was assessed based on regional analyses of world markets. A separate analysis was conducted of the export dynamics in service sector by focusing on the educational services sector in Appalachia.