This report provides a fact-based assessment of Michigan’s economic competitiveness
relative to other states and nations. Michigan’s performance is compared with that of other
states on key output (e.g., employment, GDP) and input (e.g., labor cost) metrics. A set of
“traditional,” “new economy,” “global,” and “Top Ten” benchmark states were used to
provide multiple reference points to evaluate Michigan’s performance.
While the intent of this report is not to make recommendations, general conclusions are
outlined. These conclusions are used by Business Leaders for Michigan to help develop
strategies for making Michigan a “Top Ten” state for job, economic, and personal income
growth, such as those contained in the Michigan Turnaround Plan.
Research for the 2013 Economic Competitiveness Benchmarking Report was conducted
by Anderson Economic Group, a research and consulting firm with expertise in economics,
public policy, finance, and industry analysis.