Most Important Cties Now and In 2050

[omersheikh]

Now:

1. New York (largest city of the most powerful country in the world, and largest economy in the world, home to two of the worlds largest stock exchanges. also one of the most vibrant cities in the world)

2. Tokyo (largest city of the second largest economy in the world, most influential and important city in Asia, one of the largest stock exchanges)

3. London (arguably the most important city in Europe, city of another G8 country, one of the largest stock exchanges).


4. Berlin (Germany has the third largest economy and home to some of the biggest corporations)

5. Paris (another European powerhouse, home to one of the largest stock exchanges, Big influence on western culture (fashion, cuisine...), Europe’s most beautiful city and biggest tourist destination)

6. Hong Kong (china's big economic center, and will only become bigger and more influential as china continues to grow and develop)

7. Washington (the capital of the largest economic and military power in the world)

8. Chicago (second biggest economic hub in America, Since America's economy is larger than Japan, Germany, UK, France combined, it makes sense to have Chicago on the list, especially if one is to include three European cities)

9 .Moscow (still has a shit load of nukes, and their economy has been improving, and the further the development and progress will add to its influence)

10. Toronto (the largest city of the 9th largest economy in the world, home to one of the largest stock exchanges)



Notables not making the list:
Seoul, Beijing, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Milan, Madrid, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston



2050 (maybe not by then but there is defiantly going to be a notable shit in power, and along with that shift will be a shift in influence)

1. New York (still a top of the list, but I think Asian cities are going to start giving it a run for it's money by around this time, and America may be on the fall by then (hopefully not, but unfortunately history tells us it is inevitable))

2. Tokyo (still think it will attain its spot but, arguably Beijing and Hong Kong will be right their or ahead of it)

3. Hong Kong (being more influential in world economy will keep it ahead of Beijing)

4. Beijing (it is also developing as an economic power along with a political one, and of course being the capital city of a country of billion plus people helps)

5. London (I think it will still be the hub in Europe)

6. Berlin (still very influential and will probably be home to one of the 5 largest economies)

7. Washington (capital of one of the two superpowers, arguably America will still be more powerful than China, but unfortunately it won't be long before America will seed that title to China)

8. Seoul (South Korea will continue to develop and benefit from China, its standard of living is already fairly high and its GDP growth over the past few years has been amazing.

9. Mumbai (I think India will have developed enough by than to exert influence, plus it is going to be the most populated country in the world, and as standard of living improves so will its influence, and it will move up on that list as the years progress)

10. Toronto (its influence will rise especially since Canada is abundant in recourses, and aggressive immigration policy will allow it to remain as one of the top ten economies, it is also not unrealistic to see it surpass all European countries except Germany in population)

Falling off the list:

Chicago (only because the world is globalizing)

Paris (will remain culturally influential, but Paris will be the odd one out in Europe)

Moocow (you never know about Russia, it could still arguably be in the list)

Notables not on the list in 2050: I think in due time

Sao Paulo (eventually it will be on that list but by when who knows),

Buenos Aries (continues develop, but I think it will be overshadowed by Sao Paulo)

Shaghai (if any country will have three cities on that list it will probably a Chinese city)

Los Angeles (culturally will still be big, but beyond that?)

Karachi ( as relations between India improve, and economic growth continues, Pakistan will benefit as power shits east, it has kept pace with India in development, also the Karachi stock exchanges was the best performer of this past year)

Kula Lumpur (as Asia continues to develop)

Istanbul (who knows!)

......?????

Falling off the radar: Madrid, Milan, San Francisco, Boston, Sydney………….


.....................YOUR GUYS THAUGHTS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Your lists of now and in 2050....

Cities not on your the lists, but some which will be on the outside looking in, both now and in 2050..........

[SpideryDream]

I don't think Sydney will fall off the list, due to Australia pursuing closer ties with Asia, and in particular China. The economy has been growing for a long time, and the population of Australia is reaching a point where the highly educated citizens participating in the creative and cultural industries don't need to move to London or the US to find good work (which has been the case in the past, the Australian diaspora is well known) and will stay in Australia, thus increasing its cultural profile. Melbourne is set to gain a lot from this, being the culture capital of Australia. I could be spectacularly wrong though.

Also, Baghdad may become an important city in 2050, I wouldnt be surprised. The new government, in the long run, will be aware that oil will not sustain the country forever and may embark on Dubai style projects and ideas.

[DiggerD21]

Just because Berlin is Germany`s capital doesn't make it the most important german city economy-wise. Berlin has mainly political power, while other german cities like Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and possibly Düsseldorf have most of the economic power with a lot of corporations having their seats there.

[HoustonTexas]

Just because Berlin is Germany`s capital doesn't make it the most important german city economy-wise. Berlin has mainly political power, while other german cities like Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and possibly Düsseldorf have most of the economic power with a lot of corporations having their seats there.
I was about to say he should replace Berlin with Frankfurt...

But Germany is such a differnt country, with so many cities attributing to one...

Frankfurt
Berlin
Hamburg
Munich
Essen
Cologne
Bonn
Dusseldurf

etc...

[NovaWolverine]

Not to start anything, but being politically, economically, militarily powerful to the point of being a superpower can the way leaders think about running a country, not saying China will, but you don't know for sure whether it's better or worse if America or China were more powerful. Other than that I agree with the list.

[HoustonTexas]

on another note:

I think important cities should be based on global activity, companies, population (well, not nessesarly), and international connections.

Dubai might get media attention, and become the new "Las Vegas". To think what would happen if they had legal gambling :(.

Cities that are important now: (no order)

New York City
Chicago
Los Angeles
Houston
Dallas
San Francisco
Seattle
Miami
Toronto
Vancouver
Montreal
Mexico City
Sao Paulo
Rio de Janiro
Beunos Aires
Santiago
Bogota
London
Paris
Berlin
Frankfurt
Madrid
Barcelona
Rome
Milan
Vienna
Zurich
Warsaw
Moscow
St. Petersburg
Tehran
Dubai
Riydah
Cairo
Johannesburg
Lagos
Cape Town
Durban
Mumbai
Delhi
Calcutta
Bangkok
Kuala Lumpur
Singapore
Jakarta
Hong Kong
Shanghai
Guangzhou
Shenzen
Beijing
Wuhan
Taipei
Seoul
Tokyo
Osaka
Sydney
Melbourne

I might have forgotten a few, so forgive me.

And they'll be just as important in 2050.

[tadeu]

1-Lagos
2-Bombaim
3- Buenos Aires
4- Calcutá
5-São Paulo
6- Miami
7- Nairobi
8- Pyongyang
9- Bagdad
10-Islamabad

[*Sweetkisses*]

Uh.... we cant really speak for 2050 though. Most LIKELY these will still be the most important cities.

[SkyHigh529]

1-Lagos
2-Bombaim
3- Buenos Aires
4- Calcutá
5-São Paulo
6- Miami
7- Nairobi
8- Pyongyang
9- Bagdad
10-Islamabad

What?

[elletijanii]

LondON Is the most powerful in the whole of Europe. The most important city in the G4 country, UK!
-
- i predict LondON as being the Worlds best city in them times..im a psycic

[HoustonTexas]

LondON Is the most powerful in the whole of Europe. The most important city in the G4 country, UK!
-
- i predict LondON as being the Worlds best city in them times..im a psycic
thats a tad bias ;)

But London will always continue to lead the European market.

[omersheikh]

Just because Berlin is Germany`s capital doesn't make it the most important german city economy-wise. Berlin has mainly political power, while other german cities like Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and possibly Düsseldorf have most of the economic power with a lot of corporations having their seats there.

yeah thats why i wasn't sure about germany because it has many cities of note, while england only has london, and france only has paris

[rebelde]

Why did you include Sao Paolo and Buenos Aires and you didn´t include Mexico City neither Monterrey?

[antofasky]

and this cities??

-Mexico city

-Santiago de Chile

-Buenos Aires

-Sao Paulo

-Shangai

-Sidney

:s!

[centralized pandemonium]

Now, the list is pretty much obvious. But in 2050, IMO, it will look like this.

NYC.
Shanghai.
London.
Mumbai.
Tokyo.
Moscow.
SP.
Toronto(I live there and I would want it to be more important)

[Donkie]

Pyo.....Pyongyang :sleepy:

[centralized pandemonium]

I think the capital of Federated States of Micronesia would be THE MOST IMPORTANT city in 2050 :yes:.

[rokey1140]

http://kr.img.dc.yahoo.com/b2/data/news/2050.jpg

2050 nations GDP ranking

1 China - 44074000000000 $
2 United States - 37161000000000 $
3 India - 28936000000000 $
4 Brazil - 7272000000000 $
5 Japan - 7230000000000 $
6 Russia - 5732000000000 $
7 Korea - 4176000000000 $
8 German - 4057000000000 $


Per 2050 nations 1st person GDP ranking

1.The United States - 82,179$
2.Korea - 61,863$
3.Germany - 57,670$
4.Japan - 55,082$
5.Russia - 48,685$
6.Brazil - 38,407$
7.China - 37,304$
8.India - 24,619$

http://www.new-frontiers.org/classicdocs/thebricsreport.pdf -> 22page

[FK]

I'd have to say;

CITIES:

NYC
Toronto
Hong Kong
Tokyo
Mumbai
Karachi
London
Kuala Lumpur
Beijing
Seoul

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

if the LA metro was its own country it would have the worlds 16th largest GDP, yet most of you leave it of the list. very interesting. The port complex is the third largest in the world (in terms of cargo handled) as well as having over 50% of the country's products coming through the port. There are 17 million people in the metro (the numer is suppose to be at 23 million by 2020 so who knows how many by 2050, and is home to some of the worlds most influential companies and minds. Just because LA's econonmy is based on small businesses, dont count us out.

[edsg25]

Global events will change the landscape, but the landscape will not only stay global but become more global. Therefore, I suspect all cities that are considered truly global today will remain so. Global cities are networked; they work in cooperation with each other as much as in competition with each other. They require the serevices that each provides the other to run a global economy.

Will there be rises and falls of nations' relative power? Sure. But if globalization is the force that many of us believe it is, we will reach a time when the rises and falls will become less as our organization ceases to be as national and regional as it is now and becomes more encompasing of the whole planet.

Think back to the time of the 1929 stock market crash and the Great Depression. True, other countries were also experiencing economic problems at the time, but the crash was our crash and the depression was our depression. Such would not be possible today; we are so joined with our nations, our corportations are multi-national that such a depression could not be localized in the US (or any single country).

[PanaManiac]

Allow me to put in a "plug" for Latin America...

Here are 10 cities listed in order of (my) memory only:

1- Panama City
2- Sao Paulo
3- Mexico City
4- Buenos Aires
5- Rio de Janeiro
6- Caracas
7- Bogota
8- Montevideo
9- Santiago (Chile)
10-Medellin

[antofasky]

the more important cities in Latin America:

1-Mexico City
2-Sao Paulo
3-Rio de Janeiro
4-Buenos Aires
5-Santiago de Chile
6-Bogota
7-caracas
8-Panama City
9-Montevideo
10-Lima

[HoustonTexas]

if the LA metro was its own country it would have the worlds 16th largest GDP, yet most of you leave it of the list. very interesting. The port complex is the third largest in the world (in terms of cargo handled) as well as having over 50% of the country's products coming through the port. There are 17 million people in the metro (the numer is suppose to be at 23 million by 2020 so who knows how many by 2050, and is home to some of the worlds most influential companies and minds. Just because LA's econonmy is based on small businesses, dont count us out.
Much of Houston is based on small or "starting out" businesses as well. Infact, Houston was named the best place to start a business.

Houston's foreign tonnage beats LA's, and is only behind NYC in terms of that. Therefore making Houston the 2nd, and LA the 3rd.

[Kanji]

Now, the most important cities are:

NYC
London
Paris
Tokyo
LA
Hong Kong
Berlin
Toronto
Sydney
Rome

In 2050

Shangai
Hong Kong
Mumbai
Moscow
NYC
LA
Beijing
London
Buenos Aires
Sao Paulo

-------------------------------------------------Kanji, aho bajo

[Mr Man]

Rockey, I can't prove it but those numbers seem out of whack. Maybe it's nominal and not real GDP.

[Jakob]

Europe:
Frankfurt
London
Istanbul
Warsaw
Berlin
Madrid
Dublin

Asia / Australia:
Shanghai
Tokyo
Hong Kong
Beijing
Sidney
Seoul
Melbourne
Jakarta

Middle East / Africa:
Dubai
Tel Aviv
Abu Dhabi
Johannesburg
Manama
Tehran

South America:
Sao Paolo
Buenos Aires
Rio
Guayaquil
Lima
Caracas

North America:
New York
Chicago
Toronto
Los Angeles

[OtAkAw]

Any city could be the most important in 2050 just leave it to destiny!

[williamsburg]

http://kr.img.dc.yahoo.com/b2/data/news/2050.jpg

2050 nations GDP ranking

1 China - 44074000000000 $
2 United States - 37161000000000 $
3 India - 28936000000000 $
4 Brazil - 7272000000000 $
5 Japan - 7230000000000 $
6 Russia - 5732000000000 $
7 Korea - 4176000000000 $
8 German - 4057000000000 $


Per 2050 nations 1st person GDP ranking

1.The United States - 82,179$
2.Korea - 61,863$
3.Germany - 57,670$
4.Japan - 55,082$
5.Russia - 48,685$
6.Brazil - 38,407$
7.China - 37,304$
8.India - 24,619$

http://www.new-frontiers.org/classicdocs/thebricsreport.pdf -> 22page

US$2977 in India right now? dang, I make more money than that in a month and I don't even work full time.

[Jaye101]

One of the most important cities in 2050 the world will be Toronto

[1st Division Marine]

It will be status-quo, Europe and America will remain on top, and no I’m not being naïve.

[Luisace]

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/7374/puertadehierro0419ff.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Effer]

NYC.
Shanghai.
London.
Mumbai.
Tokyo.
HK.
Paris.

[ROCguy]

if the LA metro was its own country it would have the worlds 16th largest GDP, yet most of you leave it of the list. very interesting. The port complex is the third largest in the world (in terms of cargo handled) as well as having over 50% of the country's products coming through the port. There are 17 million people in the metro (the numer is suppose to be at 23 million by 2020 so who knows how many by 2050, and is home to some of the worlds most influential companies and minds. Just because LA's econonmy is based on small businesses, dont count us out.

It's not counted because nobody likes it. Is that fair? not really. is it going to change? Probably not. Sorry, but it's just the way it is.

[Tom_Green]

I think Shanghai will be one of the most important cities in the world. Europe will be left behind, the big companies will move from Frankfurt, London, Paris to more promising places like Hong Kong and Shanghai.

[Wallbanger]

Why dont we all take a look at 50 years ago? And see how much it has changed? Then, make an estimate on Now, and see how much according to 50 years ago today, it has changed.

[wjfox]

I think Shanghai will be one of the most important cities in the world. Europe will be left behind, the big companies will move from Frankfurt, London, Paris to more promising places like Hong Kong and Shanghai.


Guard at the City gates

The Corporation of London boss Michael Snyder talks to Nick Mathiason about securing the Square Mile against terrorist threats - and foreign competition.

Sunday August 7, 2005
The Observer

Snyder and his city fathers have effectively seen off the challenge of Frankfurt and Paris to be Europe's undisputed financial centre. The gap is so wide that Snyder has effectively declared the end of hostilities. 'I believe Europe is coming to realise - some faster than others - that London is its financial centre. I don't think other financial centres are snapping at our heels because the reality is we've got to work with these centres.'

This confidence has no doubt fed the move to reach for the sky and build a cluster of new skyscrapers. These towers are predicated on a belief that financial services will continue to grow in London. And the assumption lies behind ambitious plans for hundreds of thousands of new homes in the capital. But in these uncertain times, how reliable are these assumptions?

'All the research we've commissioned - not with a predetermined outcome you understand, but academic research - shows that the financial sector will expand at 1.75 per cent compound on average over the next 10 years. Research done a couple of years ago has so far proved to be correct.'

This, says Snyder, adds up to 200,000 new jobs in the sector within 11 years. If Snyder is right, London will bolster what he describes as a 'dynamic business cluster with a level of expertise that makes people want to work in London and have secondments here because they like the city as a whole'.



http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/85/Citylondonarms.jpg

[Wallbanger]

1900:
London, UK
New York, USA
Paris, FRANCE
Berlin, GERMANY
Chicago, USA
Vienna, AUSTRIA
Tokyo, JAPAN
St. Petersburg, RUSSIA
Manchester, UK
Philadelphia, USA

1950:

New York City, USA
London, UK
Tokyo, JAPAN
Paris, FRANCE
Shanghai, CHINA
Moscow, RUSSIA
Buenos Aires, ARGENTINE
Chicago, USA
Ruhr, GERMANY
Calcutta, INDIA

[ReddAlert]

I find these lists to be ridicolous.

You say Chicago, LA, Boston, and SF are going to fall off the map? I really dont think so. Boston and SF are centers for education and technology. They both have huge economies that are comparable with Toronto, I believe San Frans is bigger.

Chicago is one of the worlds most important cities now. You said the world is globalizing as if thats going to be a problem with Chicago--which is one of the most global cities in the world and in NA.

Also, you cant rule out LA...a city with an GDP better than most nations.

[Nouvellecosse]

if the LA metro was its own country it would have the worlds 16th largest GDP, yet most of you leave it of the list. very interesting. The port complex is the third largest in the world (in terms of cargo handled) as well as having over 50% of the country's products coming through the port. There are 17 million people in the metro (the numer is suppose to be at 23 million by 2020 so who knows how many by 2050, and is home to some of the worlds most influential companies and minds. Just because LA's econonmy is based on small businesses, dont count us out.

I happen to be one of the people who doesn't leave LA off the list, and people occaisionally scoff at me because of that. People around here rarely give it the respect it deserves. It is one of the largest and wealthiest metros on the planet (not to mention one of the world's biggest industrial centres) yet I've seen people place it behind Shanghai, Moscow, Hong Kong, Mex City, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires - even Toronto and Houston. Really makes you wonder :ohno:

[United-States-of-America]

NYC is going to be on that list for a long time. Mark my words.

[Wallbanger]

We know.

[Wallbanger]

In the USA^

[pottebaum]

Why would someone take San Francisco off the list of most important cities? It's a major center of finance, business, and technology.

[Wallbanger]

In the US..^ there are larger centers for Business and finance elsewhere in the world. SFO isnt the only one. (Delete other post)

[pottebaum]

^Well, of course. SF isn't number one in either of those categories--never has been; but it's huge player. The Bay Area's massive when it comes to technology.

[Wallbanger]

You're right. Who knows what will happen in 45 years, I sure as hell dont, thats why I made the list of 50 and 100 years ago so we can see how much has changed and make our estimates from there on.

[Trump_87]

Toronto has a solid future ahead, it will definately be one of the worlds most important cities (by 2050 that is)

[♣628.8m]

http://kr.img.dc.yahoo.com/b2/data/news/2050.jpg

2050 nations GDP ranking

1 China - 44074000000000 $
2 United States - 37161000000000 $
3 India - 28936000000000 $
4 Brazil - 7272000000000 $
5 Japan - 7230000000000 $
6 Russia - 5732000000000 $
7 Korea - 4176000000000 $
8 German - 4057000000000 $


Per 2050 nations 1st person GDP ranking

1.The United States - 82,179$
2.Korea - 61,863$
3.Germany - 57,670$
4.Japan - 55,082$
5.Russia - 48,685$
6.Brazil - 38,407$
7.China - 37,304$
8.India - 24,619$

http://www.new-frontiers.org/classicdocs/thebricsreport.pdf -> 22page


Can China, India or Brazil continues their growth without any recessions? Or Russia? Their economy is terrible. Or can Japan or Korea grow like that? Maybe another Great Depression or Moderate Depression makes United States a bit lower than your projections?

My prediction for these country by 2050: (It could be subjective)

1. United States - $70,000
2. Germany - $55,000, West Germany - $65,000
3. Japan - $47,000
4. Korea - $45,000
5. China - $25,000
6. Brazil - $23,000
7. Russia - $17,000
8. India - $15,000

[♣628.8m]

IMO, most important cities in 2005:

1. NYC, no doubt.
2. Chicago
3. Frankfurt Am Main
4. Paris
5. Hong Kong
6. Zurich
7. Vienna
8. Toronto
9. Boston
10. Melbourne

In about 2025:

1. NYC? Probably still the first.
2. Hong Kong? The centre of Eastern Asia. Freest economy in the world.
3. Frankfurt Am Main.
4. Vienna? It will surely benefit from the growth of Eastern Europe.
5. Toronto.
6. Melbourne? The centre of Oceania.
7. Boston.
8. Dubai? Probably.
9. Paris? Decreasing influence.
10. Zurich.

In 2050??? Just guessing.

1. NYC again?
2. Frankfurt Am Main?
3. Toronto?
4. Hong Kong?
5. Vienna?
6. Melbourne?
7. Boston?
8. Helsinki?
9. Stockholm?
10. Calgary?

[Jaye101]

My list :D

1. NYC
2. Tokyo
3. Hong Kong
4. Shanghai
5. London
6. Toronto
7. Dubai
8. Chicago
9. Frankfurt
10. Sydney

[Rhoy]

Now

London
LA
NY
Paris
Chicago
Frankfurt
Milan
Barcelona
Tokyo

1950

SF
NY
Berlin
Rome
Moscow
New Delhi
Beijing
Rio
Tokyo

[ncik]

1. NYC? Probably still the first.
2. Hong Kong? The centre of Eastern Asia. Freest economy in the world.
3. Frankfurt Am Main.
4. Vienna? It will surely benefit from the growth of Eastern Europe.
5. Toronto.
6. Melbourne? The centre of Oceania.
7. Boston.
8. Dubai? Probably.
9. Paris? Decreasing influence.
10. Zurich
I wouldnt call Melbourne the centre of Oceania. Sydney is no doubt more important than Melbourne, but Melbourne's not far behind. Both cities work together to be what they are today.

[wjfox]

IMO, most important cities in 2005:

1. NYC, no doubt.
2. Chicago
3. Frankfurt Am Main
4. Paris
5. Hong Kong
6. Zurich
7. Vienna
8. Toronto
9. Boston
10. Melbourne

Um... London? Tokyo?

Your list is simply wrong.

[moving to London]

I definatly think London will be in the top 3, People seem to believe that Germany will exceed the Uk by so far, The Uk's economy has taken over that of the French in recent years and many predict it may take over the the German economy in years to come. I believe this will happen because of the rise of China and Germany's relative reliance on industry and exporting of machinery and cars ect. China has already destroyed the textile and manufacturing industries of western countries and it is my belief that it will next move into the markets which Germany controls. The Uk on the other hand has managed a transition into the the services market (which I think will weather the strorm bought by the big asian economies far better). Anyway this I believe is why London is and will continue to be the financial heart of Europe and will only grow in importance therfore my top 5:

1. NYC/Hong Kong
2.-
3.London
4.Tokyo
5.Mumbai

[london-b]

Look at it this way, London has been one of the greatest and most important cities in the world for 100's even 1000's of years, I cant see it going away in another 50.

[MoreOrLess]

If your looking for "new" names I think the provincial cities of China and India are going to rise in importance since like the US both countries are too large both in land and population for business activity to be totally centralised in one city as in say London. Shangahi for example has already gone back onto the world stage but I don't think it will be long before the likes of Chongqing join it.

[staff]

Shanghai will be really important.

[moving to London]

If your looking for "new" names I think the provincial cities of China and India are going to rise in importance since like the US both countries are too large both in land and population for business activity to be totally centralised in one city as in say London. Shangahi for example has already gone back onto the world stage but I don't think it will be long before the likes of Chongqing join it.

But the USA only has one Alpha world city, I think the chinese will probably consolidate to one or two alpha cities, my guess is the only major player in the top ten will be Hong Kong and maybe shanghai

[samsonyuen]

Now: New York, London, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Toronto, Sydney, Rome
2050: New York, London, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Toronto, Mumbai, Sao Paolo

[Tom_Green]

I definatly think London will be in the top 3, People seem to believe that Germany will exceed the Uk by so far, The Uk's economy has taken over that of the French in recent years and many predict it may take over the the German economy in years to come. I believe this will happen because of the rise of China and Germany's relative reliance on industry and exporting of machinery and cars ect. China has already destroyed the textile and manufacturing industries of western countries and it is my belief that it will next move into the markets which Germany controls. The Uk on the other hand has managed a transition into the the services market (which I think will weather the strorm bought by the big asian economies far better). Anyway this I believe is why London is and will continue to be the financial heart of Europe and will only grow in importance therfore my top 5:



Germanys export grows 10% last year. I don`t think this will change.
What`s sound better "Made in Germany" or "Made in China".
Therefore even people from the USA buying German cars.

There is something else, too. Germany is world technology leader with alternative energy resources. This will be more and more important. Bill Clinton told some German reporters that he believe in Germanys future because of this.

BTW: Is there someone not from the UK and not related with the UK who believe in Londons future ?

[moving to London]

Germanys export grows 10% last year. I don`t think this will change.
What`s sound better "Made in Germany" or "Made in China".
Therefore even people from the USA buying German cars.

There is something else, too. Germany is world technology leader with alternative energy resources. This will be more and more important. Bill Clinton told some German reporters that he believe in Germanys future because of this.

BTW: Is there someone not from the UK and not related with the UK who believe in Londons future ?

You are just confirming my point, Germany's exports grew last year because they are leaders in those markets, I concede this point. My point is that in the future it will be these markets that will be hit hardest by China and India. If you divide an economy, in a very simple way, into industry and commerce, the Uk is dominent in commerce and Germany in Industry. The big damage to markets will be in industry therefore the UK will surpass Germany and London will retain its place as a "top 3 city". As for your point regarding alternative sources of energy, it is very true that Germany will benefit from this however the only reason atomic weapons weren't built earlier was the belief it wasn't possible, did that stop everyone else building them after they discovered it was???

[samsonyuen]

I think the thing with Germany is that in the future, the EU will become more of a cohesive unit, meaning in a more unified EU, the #1 and 2 positions will be a lot more powerful (London and Paris), which leaves Frankfurt less important within the EU.

[Tom_Green]

You are just confirming my point, Germany's exports grew last year because they are leaders in those markets, I concede this point. My point is that in the future it will be these markets that will be hit hardest by China and India. If you divide an economy, in a very simple way, into industry and commerce, the Uk is dominent in commerce and Germany in Industry. The big damage to markets will be in industry therefore the UK will surpass Germany and London will retain its place as a "top 3 city". As for your point regarding alternative sources of energy, it is very true that Germany will benefit from this however the only reason atomic weapons weren't built earlier was the belief it wasn't possible, did that stop everyone else building them after they discovered it was???

So after your theory the grow of exports into USA and Japan shouldn`t excist because they can make everything by themselfes ? But Germany exports in every country more and more.

Look back and tell me the economy situation in the UK 20 or 30 years ago? Isn`t it possible that the times can come back again ? You are in a boom right now, but don`t expect that this last forever.

Germany is in the heart of Europe, and with the growing EU Germany will be in the center of the EU, too.

What does London offer that other city don`t have? I can`t imagine why Paris and Frankfurt can`t make London`s job.

Did you know that the people in Dubai can speak better Englisch than the people in Hong Kong. The office in Dubai is much cheaper and the location (between Europe and Asia ) is perfect.

Wasn`t UK the largest empire in the human history ? And now?

I don`t think the UK will become a 3rd world country and London will not loose all of there power but a place in the top 3 will belong to the past.

[wjfox]

This is turning into a country vs country thread...

[Tom_Green]

This is turning into a country vs country thread...

But in a civil way. :D

After all i just want to say that Europe will not play an important role in the future.

The Europe of 1900 was much more important in the world then it was in 1950.
And 1950 was Europe much more important in the world then it is now.

[moving to London]

So after your theory the grow of exports into USA and Japan shouldn`t excist because they can make everything by themselfes ? But Germany exports in every country more and more. .


You misunderstand my point, I know that Germany exports to the US and other countries NOW, my point is that its these goods (Cars, tools, machinery ect) that China will be producing (as its infrastructure improves) in the future. The very things that make Germany a rich country now will be the things which the Chinese and Indian factor will hit the hardest. The Uk on the other has a basis within the services and financial sectors, which I believe will be where western countries must focus thier economies in order to compete with China.
Its also improtant to note that Paris and Frankfurt have already made thier challenges to become the economic heart of the EU and have failed. London is now ahead by quite a margin. I think Germany is a great country when it comes to exporting goods but not when it comes to services. That is its flaw and will be why it will become the EU's second country. In my view London will only pull out further ahead and the real competition will be between Paris and Frankfurt for the number 2 position. As for the 70s and 80s that can mostly be put down to the government of the time (one which we won't be electing again for a long time). My last poiunt would be regarding the British Empire, It hasn't been that long since we had big colonies and it was the devastation to our economy brought about by the world wars which finished off the empire as it was ( I will conceed the point that it was in decline before that)

[PotatoGuy]

NOW (no order)
-London
-Mexico City
-NYC
-LA
-Hong Kong
-Paris
-Tokyo
-Shanghai
-Frankfurt

2050(no order)

-London
-Shanghai
-Tokyo
-NYC
-LA
-Mumbai
-Dubai
-Hong Kong
-Shanghai
-Sao Paulo

[Tom_Green]

You misunderstand my point, I know that Germany exports to the US and other countries NOW, my point is that its these goods (Cars, tools, machinery ect) that China will be producing (as its infrastructure improves) in the future. The very things that make Germany a rich country now will be the things which the Chinese and Indian factor will hit the hardest. The Uk on the other has a basis within the services and financial sectors, which I believe will be where western countries must focus thier economies in order to compete with China.
Its also improtant to note that Paris and Frankfurt have already made thier challenges to become the economic heart of the EU and have failed. London is now ahead by quite a margin. I think Germany is a great country when it comes to exporting goods but not when it comes to services. That is its flaw and will be why it will become the EU's second country. In my view London will only pull out further ahead and the real competition will be between Paris and Frankfurt for the number 2 position. As for the 70s and 80s that can mostly be put down to the government of the time (one which we won't be electing again for a long time). My last poiunt would be regarding the British Empire, It hasn't been that long since we had big colonies and it was the devastation to our economy brought about by the world wars which finished off the empire as it was ( I will conceed the point that it was in decline before that)

I don`t think China will catch up with the Germans quality in the next 30 years. Therefore i am optimistic.
And after 30 years we have the technology for the alternativ ressources. That will help us to be one of the top 3 eporting countries.
And i think in this time west Germany can stop paying 100billion every year into east Germany and focus on other things.

[rocky]

2050

1 shanghai
2 new york
3 hong kong/ ghandhzou
4 London
5 Los angeles
6 Tokyo
7 Paris
8 Mumbai
9 Moscow
10 Sao paulo


Re read that in 2050 i win :D

[MoreOrLess]

But the USA only has one Alpha world city, I think the chinese will probably consolidate to one or two alpha cities, my guess is the only major player in the top ten will be Hong Kong and maybe shanghai

Newyork, Washington, Chicago and LA have all been listed in peoples current top 10's. I doubt any cities in China will surpass Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai but I think the likes of Chongping and Tianjin (or Hyderabad and Chennai in India) will become far more recognised globally.

[neilio]

This is turning into a country vs country thread...

well in that case lets all just agree that Canada is and will always be the best country in the world and leave it that hehehehehehe!! so anyway back to the city topic...

[Travis007]

What the feck, I'll give it a try:

Now (according to GaWC)

1.NYC
2.Tokyo
3.London
4.Paris
(Starting here, no specific order)

5.Hong Kong
6.Chicago
7.Frankfurt
8.Los Angeles
9.Milan
10.Singapore


2050:

1.Tokyo
2.Shanghai
3.NYC
4.London
5.Mumbai (If the country develops)
6.Paris
7.Hong Kong
8.Los Angeles
9.Sao paolo
10.Seoul

[VansTripp]

I just noticed that population in Europe will be declining in after 2030.

[wjfox]

What the feck, I'll give it a try:

Now (according to GaWC)

1.NYC
2.Tokyo
3.London
4.Paris
Wrong, the GaWC actually puts London ahead of both NY and Tokyo.

London has an 'index' of 1.0, while New York has 0.98 and Tokyo is slightly further behind.

[VansTripp]

My list :D

1. NYC
2. Tokyo
3. Hong Kong
4. Shanghai
5. London
6. Toronto
7. Dubai
8. Chicago
9. Frankfurt
10. Sydney

lol. Where's Paris and LA?

Your list is wrong.

[PotatoGuy]

^^ that list was very wrong, how can he exclude London?

[pottebaum]

Wrong, the GaWC actually puts London ahead of both NY and Tokyo.

London has an 'index' of 1.0, while New York has 0.98 and Tokyo is slightly further behind.
GaWC only rates global 'connectivity', not exactly importance.

Today:
New York
London
Tokyo
Paris
Hong Kong
Chicago

50 Years later:
How the hell am I supposed to know?! :lol:

[IshikawajimaHarima]

Well the people from third world countries always cheer up in this kind of thread. But it only makes barren graffiti because it allows to post things far from reality.

[Storeman]

In 2050 climate change and ressource shortage will have turend the world in a mad house. There will be a cat 4 or 5 hurricane every year in the shoutheast of the US and carabbian. NY will be confronted with extreme winters which paralize the economy. East Asia has to fight with Taifuns, South Asia with extrme Monuns, Inner Asia with desertification, Europe with floods from strong rainfalls and storms or permafrost melting in the Alps. There will be huge problems with water supply in many big cities. And not only with the supply but also with the waste water. Shortage of oil will cause more warms and will finally slow down the economy of many countries. Less developt countries are facing an extremly high urbanization rate which causes segregation, conflics, shorage of ressources, collapse of infrastructure, enviromental pollution, etc. Most big and important cities are located near the ocean and thatfore expostst to stronger weather phenomena such as storms, Taifuns or Hurricanes...

Ok, maybe I exaggerate a bit, maybe not. But my point is that you guys should open your minds and not only focus on economical numbers and indicators. There are much more things which influence the futur of us and our cities.

[VansTripp]

^^ that list was very wrong, how can he exclude London?

He don't put (no orders). I doubt that London will docking to beside of Toronto.

[nick_taylor]

GaWC only rates global 'connectivity', not exactly importance.

Today:
New York
London
Tokyo
Paris
Hong Kong
Chicago

50 Years later:
How the hell am I supposed to know?! :lol:Well it does make some sense, afterall the least connected cities in the world aren't going to be the most important are they! After all why are these connections in place? Economic, financial, business, cultural and political importance combined would lead to why a city would be more connected than others, London's lead over New York is principly because it is more connected to the world and successive studies show this.

[pottebaum]

If they were going entirely on importance, I'm sure they'd rank Washington DC over Zurich. :lol:

[nick_taylor]

Indeed when you look at only one view then of course it would look odd, but when you factor in everything where Washington is not a leader in economy, business, finance and culture compared to other world cities then its noticable.

[pottebaum]

Nevermind

[pottebaum]

Anyway, Nick, argue about finance all you'd like. New York gets more recognition for it, and tends to have larger financial institutioins.. London's huge in cross-border banking and several forms of transactions--among many other markets.
They're both great, you see? ;)

But NYC is a more important to the other elements you mentioned; business(+economic) and cultural/media. And, as you obviously know, is home to the United Nations. While it has no sovereignty, it's a famous and important organization where all the world's nations come to discuss matters and make key decisions. Now that's linkage. :lol:

[Jaye101]

lol. Where's Paris and LA?

Your list is wrong.

LA has fallen lol.... An Earthquake happend 17,000,000 dead....

I forgot Paris.

[VansTripp]

LA has fallen lol.... An Earthquake happend 17,000,000 dead....

I forgot Paris.

That's dumb to said :sleepy:

[ChinaboyUSA]

LA lover, your signature about China is biased,
you have the right to change it, thanks.

[VansTripp]

LA lover, your signature about China is biased, I think it is an insult to all the Chinese people, not only the people in China, but also overseas Chinese. Please change it, thanks.

I don't change it cuz you did insulted to me. I will change until you and other chinese forumers are completely respect.

[ChinaboyUSA]

^we don't respect the people who don't respect himself/herself, but not your country! Please make it clear!

[ChinaboyUSA]

I don't change it cuz you did insulted to me. I will change until you and other chinese forumers are completely respect.


That doesn't mean because of you, people in LA or the US is not respected, please make it clear! And you need to respect yourself,right?

[VansTripp]

Chinese forumers including you that pissed me off about diagree with fact and insulted me for no reason. I have hard time to forgive.

[Jaye101]

That's dumb to said :sleepy:

It's a joke geeez... I thought SSP people didnt have a sense of humour. :bash:

[london-b]

Leave LA Lover alone, he is a legend!

[wickedestcity]

Now:

1.Falling off the list:

Chicago (only because the world is globalizing)



your insane if you dont veiw Chicago as a globlized city and your prob. clinicly retarded if you dont feel Chicago will be a global city in 50 years!!!!

[Evangelion]

your insane if you dont veiw Chicago as a globlized city and your prob. clinicly retarded if you dont feel Chicago will be a global city in 50 years!!!!


i actually agree with him, Chicago will probably fall off the list by that time.

[Fallout]

Now:

NYC
Tokyo
London
Paris
HK
Chicago
LA
Frankfurt
Madrid
Toronto

2050:
NY
HK
Tokyo
London
Paris
LA
Shanghai
Chicago
Mumbai
Frankfurt

[nick_taylor]

Anyway, Nick, argue about finance all you'd like. New York gets more recognition for it, and tends to have larger financial institutioins.. London's huge in cross-border banking and several forms of transactions--among many other markets.
They're both great, you see? ;)

But NYC is a more important to the other elements you mentioned; business(+economic) and cultural/media. And, as you obviously know, is home to the United Nations. While it has no sovereignty, it's a famous and important organization where all the world's nations come to discuss matters and make key decisions. Now that's linkage. :lol:London has more NGO's present than any other city in the world, not to mention it has embassy's - New York has none, it has second rate consulates.

London just happens to be more global.

[ROCguy]

I just noticed that population in Europe will be declining in after 2030.

How the hell do you know this LA lover? I say the population of LA will be declining. lol
(everybody watch how made he will get after I say that, he will start spitting stuff out that makes no sense and using profanity left and right (but in the complete wrong sense of the word) Of course, now that I said it, he probably won't, but, he would have otherwise.

[SHiRO]

Thanks for resurrecting this thread...:|
And for such a beautiful picture in such a meaningfull post...
The debate that ensued was really valuable to this site...

When will people learn?