INTER-URBAN DIFFERENCES IN THE INNOVATIVE NATURE OF PRODUCTION

Several authors have suggested that large cities concentrate on innovative commodities and allow the production of more standardized goods to filter down to lower wage smaller cities. This paper provides an empirical test of this hypothesis. The innovativeness of production within a given SMSA is measured by the proportion of professional, technical and kindred workers. Evidence for specific two-digit manufacturing industries indicates that such innovation workers are generally more prevalent in larger cities. Substantial improvements in transportation and communications in recent years have not greatly altered the tendency for professionals to be concentrated in large urban areas. © 1979.