Key Issues

With its leading institutional partners, the Bay Area Council and the Association of Bay Area Governments, and partner organizations representing constituencies throughout the region, the Bay Area Council Economic Institute addresses key issues of overarching concern to the Bay Area and its economic future. Bay Area Council Economic Institute projects and initiatives mobilize leaders from the public and private sectors, higher
education, labor and the community to work together to strengthen the region’s economic climate and address its major challenges.

  • Competitiveness
    Knowledge-based industries drive the Bay Area economy. Fostering a positive business climate and the growth of those industries in which the region has a comparative advantage is key to maintaining economic prosperity.
  • Infrastructure
    The Bay Area Council Economic Institute maintains a special focus on state and regional economic infrastructure, including ports, airports, water, transportation and energy.
  • Trade & Globalization
    The Economic Institute provides continuing analysis of the Bay Area’s role in global trade; advocates on trade issues at the regional, state and national levels; and serves as a platform for leaders in the regional and California trade service communities to jointly address trade-related issues.
  • Science & Innovation
    The Bay Area Science and Innovation Consortium (BASIC) serves as a platform for the region’s research community—including its five national laboratories, five research universities, and leading corporate and independent laboratories—to address issues of critical importance to the science and technology community.
  • Business Development
    The Bay Area Marketing Partnership, representing the economic development offices of the region’s cities and counties, assists companies seeking to locate or expand in the world’s leading knowledge economy.
  • Governance
    The quality of the California’s governance impacts both the economy and the quality of life of its citizens. The Bay Area Economic Forum, with its key partners, is committed to improving the transparency, accountability and performance of California’s state government.