Multinational Firms and the Economic Self-Reliance of North American Cities

Abstract

The economic development of cities is significantly influenced by multinational corporations (MNCs), whose presence and interconnections with their subsidiaries across various regions and continents shape their global operations and potential expansions. North America serves as a pivotal hub for numerous leading MNCs, and cities within this region play a vital role in establishing both local and global economic relationships. This research aims to investigate the tightly coupled interdependent networks of cities facilitated by MNCs and their subsidiaries, with a specific focus on North American cities and urban centers. This study examines empirical data from four distinct time periods (2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019) at various scales, aiming to empirically support the hypothesis that robust intra-regional ties within North America foster the economic self-reliance of cities and urban centers, concurrently stimulating sustainable economic growth throughout the studied period. The analysis corroborates this hypothesis, as evident from the research findings.