The US biotechnology landscape has changed radically in the 20 years since the first BIO International Convention. And while investment is still focused on a handful of states, other US destinations are bubbling under.

German companies investing in the US are having to offer training to bring the local workforce up to German standards. 

There is nothing like the buzz of a major sporting event to spark the feel-good factor in a host location. But is it possible to capitalise on this positive mood and turn it into something more sustainable that can encourage inward investment?

In a number of US states – including Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia – privately owned utility companies are putting their weight behind local investment promotion efforts, using their extensive resources and discounted energy rates to attract big businesses into the area and increase their customer base. 

Free zones are often seen as a cure-all remedy to the problems developing economies encounter when trying to attract FDI. However, the reality is that such projects need careful planning and long-term support if they are to fulfil such wishes, as Barbara Njau discovers.

The US city of Houston has a lot to offer as a business destination, as its strong record in FDI proves. Its only problem, says the city's mayor, Annise Parker, is in trying to shake off outdated negative perceptions.

FDI flows into Latin America and the Caribbean decreased by more than 50% in 2012, compared with the previous year, and just one country – Chile – managed to record an increase in project numbers.