Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Cities: Unlocking Future Local Economic Growth and Fiscal Capacity

As cities face increasing global competition and fiscal constraints in the post-recession economy, many city leaders wonder from what source future growth will emerge. One answer to this question is innovation. Cities that create a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship will be better positioned for economic recovery, job creation, greater resiliency, and the potential for regional economic transformation. The paper explores the role of local government policy in cultivating and fostering an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. In particular, it focuses on local economic development and fiscal policies that can create and foster this ecosystem.