Florida, Richard L

Details the challenges of urban growth, including gentrification, segregation, inequality, and unaffordable housing.

Argues that America is faced with a looming economic crisis caused by the flight of innovators to other dynamic hot spots around the world such as Sidney, Shanghai and Dublin. Outlines ominous trends in business practices, cultural norms, educational systems and politics that are making talented people reluctant to live and work in the United States. Explains how technology, talent and tolerance are the engines of economic development for the future.

For the first time, the United States is in danger of losing its most crucial economic advantage--its status as the world's greatest talent magnet, argues economist Florida. Where America was once the first destination for foreign students and the last stop for scientists, engineers, artists and entrepreneurs wishing to engage in the most robust and creative economy on the planet, it has now become only one place among many where cutting-edge innovation occurs. Burgeoning global technology hotspots, from Sydney, Shanghai, and Amsterdam to Dublin, Bangalore, and Toronto; the outsourcing of ingenuity; rising intolerance; a faltering education system; cities torn by inequality; disconnected political leadership--all point to the looming creativity crisis that is causing the decline of American economic might. But if the United States can discover solutions to address these problems, it will once again lead the pack. If only the rest of the world doesn't discover those solutions first...

Explores the impact the growing role of creativity has had on the American economy, explaining how creative people are gradually changing American society, its values, tastes, relationships, careers, and cities.