Economic concentrations
Select 1 of the economic concentrations (clusters) below:
Seattle-Tacoma-Olympia, WA aerospace / defense industry
Central California winemaking industry
Hollywood movie industry
Silicon Valley technology hub
Texas / Louisiana Gulf Coast crude oil and natural gas production and refining
Pre-1994 vs Post-1994 US auto and light truck production and the reasons for the change in economic concentration
Write a 550-700 word paper evaluating economists’ assessments of the role the 4 factors of production played in determining how the economic concentration you selected has evolved. Complete the following in your paper:
Analyze how the economic concentration in the area you chose was influenced by competition and pricing.
Analyze how the economic concentration in the area you chose influenced the supply chain.
Analyze which of the 4 factors of production were the most and least important in determining the economic concentration of the area you chose.
Predict changes you anticipate for the area of economic concentration you chose. Support your predictions.
Consider the resources provided and other academically appropriate sources. The use of charts and tables to illustrate data is highly encouraged.
Introduction
The Seattle-Tacoma-Olympia, WA aerospace/defense industry is one of the most concentrated economic clusters in the United States. The region is home to Boeing, the world's largest aerospace manufacturer, as well as a number of other major aerospace and defense companies, such as Airbus, Microsoft, and Amazon. This concentration has had a significant impact on the region's economy, both positive and negative.
Economists' Assessments of the Role of the Four Factors of Production
Economists have identified four factors of production: land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship. All four factors play a role in determining the economic concentration of a region.
- Land: Land refers to all natural resources, including land, water, and minerals. The Seattle-Tacoma-Olympia region has a number of unique natural resources that are attractive to the aerospace/defense industry, such as its access to the Pacific Ocean and its abundance of hydroelectric power.
- Labor: Labor refers to the human resources that are used to produce goods and services. The Seattle-Tacoma-Olympia region has a large and well-educated workforce, which is a key attraction for aerospace/defense companies.
- Capital: Capital refers to the machinery and equipment that is used to produce goods and services. The Seattle-Tacoma-Olympia region has a large investment in capital, which is necessary for the production of complex aerospace/defense products.
- Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship refers to the ability to identify and develop new business opportunities. The Seattle-Tacoma-Olympia region has a strong culture of entrepreneurship, which has led to the development of a number of successful aerospace/defense companies.