O'Connell, James2020-01-162020-01-162021-12https://hdl.handle.net/2144/39103Since the 1980s, globalization has generated a network of key cities that organize and manage global markets. The leading activity of global capitalism has become the financial and advanced professional services that manage the evolving knowledge economy. Numerous public and private entities have been publishing studies that analyze the characteristics of global cities and rank them against the competition. Boston ranks relatively high in many global city ranking studies. Although it is not in the top tier of cities managing the capitalist economy, cities like New York, London, and Tokyo, it is a leader in technological and life sciences innovation, building upon its world-class universities and research institutions and its long-established financial sector. Global cities benchmark reports also indicate performance related to social equity. In this regard, Boston ranks high in economic inequality, indicating the need for policy solutions related to this issue.Copyright © 2021 James O'Connell. All Rights Reserved.Global citiesCity rankingsEconomic competitivenessInnovationBostonWorking Paper2021-12-01