The economy of cities

Abstract

The chapter examines the extent and nature of economic changes since the creation of metropolitan government a decade ago. After examining the economic outcomes based on output, exports, imports, productivity and employment, the underlying drivers that influence these outcomes, namely innovation, skills, investment, specialisation and connectivity are discussed. The chapter assesses whether South African city economies have outperformed the rest of the country, and whether growth has helped to absorb unemployment. It also considers whether cities have been more or less resilient than other places to the recent recession.