The Research Center

For the 11th consecutive year, Chicagoland secured its title as the Top Metro in the U.S. for Corporate Relocation and Site Selection, showcasing economic resilience amidst uncertainties.

Chicago is the nation's food innovation and manufacturing capital. The city's proximity to the nation's most productive farmland and an extensive transportation network helped grow the historic industry.

• Food Innovation & Manufacturing Fact Sheet

The third highest employment numbers in the finance and insurance sector are here in Chicago- the city with the most diverse economy among US metros.

• Finance & Fintech Fact Sheet

Innovation and technology platforms all of Chicagoland's core industry to achieve inclusive growth and opportunity for the city’s tech, innovation, and start-up ecosystem.

• Chicago’s Innovation Ecosystem Map
• Chicago’s Growth Capital Trends 2022

A future powerhouse industry for Chicagoland- Life Science and Healthcare are concentrated in and around the central business district for Chicago, with more lab space than ever.

• Life Sciences Industry Profile

We have one of the largest manufacturing industries in the US, dubbing us, "The City that Works."

• Manufacturing Industry Profile

As a top market for logistics tech, we are the nation's transportation and logistics hub serving as a crossroads of innovation and moving freight and people.

• Transportation & Logistics Technology Industry Profile
• Chicago’s Transportation Infrastructure Map

The dynamic technological and green ecosystems benefit from Chicago's diverse range of industries, allowing for a cross-pollination of ideas for rapid commercialization and practical applications.

• The-Future-of-Climate-Tech: Innovators Podcast Series

As a public-private partnership, WBC’s economic development services and convening power connects industry, startups, universities & national labs, and investors for new investments that benefit working families and Chicagoans.

Since January 2023 The Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, or simply GCEP, represents a united strategy by the city of Chicago and the seven counties comprising the Chicagoland to work together to drive inclusive economic development. The research listed here is a result of the GCEP collaboration.

• Chicagoland's Economic Landscape (interactive report)
• Chicagoland's Economic Assets Map