Regional Profile: Tijuana, MX

Summary

Tijuana: The largest city in the state of Baja California sits at one of busiest land border crossings in the world. Together with San Diego, Tijuana is part of a dynamic cross-border metropolis where deep economic and cultural linkages result in the creation of value, jobs and exports. The unique dynamics of the region provide local companies with an important comparative advantage in the global economy.

In Tijuana, employment in global companies has grown steadily, with many workers engaged in STEM and R&D-intensive industries. The city has become a powerhouse in industries such as semiconductors, medical devices, aerospace, electrical equipment, and audiovisual and communications equipment. Quality universities and an attractive cost of doing business have supported the development of these high-growth industries, attracting more than $5.6 billion of foreign direct investment to the region since 2012.

On average, 135,000 people cross the border each day between San Diego and Tijuana. Like the economy, people’s lives exist on both sides of the border. Tijuana’s vibrant cultural scene – with trendy coffee shops, world-class restaurants, museums, art galleries and a top-ranked soccer team – provides an enriching quality of life to residents. Nearby beaches in Rosarito and Ensenada, as well as the bourgeoning Valle de Guadalupe wine region, attract tourists year-round.

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Regional Poverty in the San Diego Region

Summary

San Diego County ranks 13th in poverty rate among major U.S. metros. Slightly below the national (14.7 percent) and the state rate (15.3 percent), 13.8 percent of San Diego’s total population live below the federal poverty threshold. When compared to nearby metros, San Diego fares better than Riverside, which, at 17.5 percent, has the largest percentage of its population below the poverty line among major metros. Neighboring Los Angeles, at 15.7 percent, is almost two percentage points higher than San Diego.

 

The Trans-Pacific Partnership: Trade’s Prosperous Potential for San Diego

Summary

What drives San Diego’s economy? The region’s most concentrated industries.

Highly concentrated industries are generally associated with exporting sectors. Compared to both the state of California and the US as a whole, San Diego has a powerful comparative advantage in goods-producing industries tied to the region’s strong innovation economy.

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Transportation Infrastructure: Evaluating the Economic Impact of TransNet on San Diego’s Economy

Diverse transportation infrastructure strengthens the regional economy and promotes future economic growth. Expansions and enhancements to roads, highways and public transit reduce congestion, decrease travel times and increase business productivity. This 2016 economic impact analysis of TransNet – the voter-approved half-cent sales tax – reveals how investments in transportation have impacted San Diego’s economy.

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Software Development: Driving San Diego’s Tech Ecosystem

Summary

Software development is infused throughout the region’s diverse tech and innovation ecosystem – providing the building blocks behind the technology revolutionizing our world today. This 2016 study sought to capture the economic impact of software development across a wide variety of industries critical to San Diego’s growth.

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Aerospace in Southern Calfornia

A report published together with Los Angeles EDC

The aerospace industry was built on the vision and dreams of entrepreneurs and risk-takers who have continually pushed the limits of technological innovation. While the technologies that are shaping the future of aerospace continue to evolve, Southern California’s rich, deep and strong ecosystem of large and small companies, research and educational partners, an active defense sector amid a culture of risk-taking and future-thinking remains one of the world’s most competitive regions for aerospace innovation.

This report, published in 2016 and produced in collaboration with Los Angeles EDC, examines the state of the industry today and how it will evolve in the future.

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AEROSPACE INDUSTRY PROFILE

Talent: Where San Diego Stands

Summary

Talent is the cornerstone of today’s global economy. It drives corporate location decisions, encourages innovative urban planning and inspired entrepreneurship. In essence, talent is the key to economic growth. If regions – such as San Diego – want to get ahead, they must have the worksforce to compete. This study looks at San Diego’s standing among peer U.S. metropolitan regions with regard to highly-skilled scientific, engineering, and tech talent. By analyzing its strengths and addressing challenges, San Diego can better improve its edge in attracting and retaining talent and investment.

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