Includes bibliographical references (p. [390]-402) and index.

Pt. 1. Toward a New Century. 1. The Rise of the World Class -- Pt. 2. Cosmopolitans: The Power of Networks. 2. Winning in Global Markets. 3. The New Business Cosmopolitans. 4. "Best Partner": Transforming Supply Chains to Global Webs -- Pt. 3. Locals: The Dangers of Disconnection. 5. Wallets and Ballot Boxes. 6. Workplaces, Careers, and Employability Security. 7. Business Leadership in the Community -- Pt. 4. Making the Global Economy Work Locally. 8. Thinkers: The Brains of Boston. 9. Makers: Foreign Manufacturing in South Carolina. 10. Traders: International Connections Through Miami -- Pt. 5. Becoming World Class: How to Create Collaborative Advantage. 11. World Class Businesses: Leadership across Boundaries. 12. World Class Regions: Strengthening the Infrastructure for Collaboration -- Appendix: Research as Civic Action: A Note on Sources, Methods, and Collaborations.