Around the world, cities and regions are investing in health and well-being, experience and culture, and nature and the environment as new sources of economic growth.
The approaches are different, but the idea is the same: invest in what is becoming more valuable—and build new industries, jobs, and opportunities around it.
Here are some of the places showing what that can look like.
Active bets
FIRST MOVERS
San Francisco
San Francisco is betting on climate innovation as a source of growth, using the city as a testing ground for solutions in clean energy, mobility, buildings, and the circular economy. Through Yes/San Francisco, public and private partners are helping innovators deploy and scale solutions while attracting investment and creating new economic opportunities.
AlUla
AlUla is betting on culture and heritage as foundations for long-term economic growth, transforming an ancient cultural landscape into a global destination for tourism, arts, and culture. By investing in preservation alongside hospitality, infrastructure, experiences, and local talent, AlUla is turning cultural assets into new businesses, jobs, investment, and economic opportunity.
Houston
Houston is betting on brain health as the foundation for a new economic cluster, positioning the region as a global hub for the emerging brain economy. Through Project Metis, leaders are investing in brain capital while advancing research, attracting neuro-startups and talent, accelerating innovation, and driving new investment and economic growth.
Santiago
Santiago is betting on mental health as a foundation for stronger economic and social outcomes, expanding access to support where people live, learn, and work. Through Healthy Santiago, the city is showing how better mental health can improve educational outcomes, workforce participation, productivity, and long-term economic opportunity.
Barranquilla
Barranquilla is betting on nature as a foundation for future growth, investing in green infrastructure, renewable energy, water management, and ecosystem restoration. By integrating nature into urban development, the city is strengthening resilience and quality of life while creating new opportunities for investment, recreation, tourism, and economic activity.
Seoul
Seoul is betting on culture and creativity as engines of future growth, building on its global strengths in entertainment, media, and design. The city is investing in creative infrastructure and industries spanning film, gaming, media, and immersive technology to create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen Seoul’s position in the global creative economy.