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ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND MARKET RESEARCH
Nexus Associates helps public and private sector clients to understand economic environments and develop initiatives to foster economic growth. These initiatives, which have included industrial policies and infrastructure projects, are typically based on detailed analyses of target industry trends and the competitive advantages of specific geographic areas.
 Publisher of Vital Signs: The State of Manufacturing in AmericaTM.
Under a grant from NIST MEP, Nexus Associates Inc. produces quarterly reports on the performance of the manufacturing sector in the United States. The series focuses on trends in manufacturing employment, output and productivity, and several other indicators of performance, with special emphasis on issues facing small and medium sized manufacturers. The primary purpose of the series is to interpret and present economic data to help manufacturing extension centers understand and respond to changes in the U.S. manufacturing sector.
- Analysis of the manufacturing economy of Maine.
The Maine Science and Technology Foundation asked Nexus Associates to perform a comprehensive analysis of the state economy. Nexus Associates prepared and delivered a presentation of findings, focusing on high tech sectors and making recommendations for its development to members of the Maine state legislature.
- Analysis of the performance of the metalworking industry in the Carolinas.
Nexus Associates completed a project for the Southeast Manufacturing Technology Center and the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership to assess the role of metalworking industries in North and South Carolina in the local manufacturing economy. The study compared performance trends in employment, output and productivity in the metalworking industries at the state and national levels. It also included performance benchmarking reports for four different benchmark comparison groups -- machine building, low-volume tooling and machining, metal forming, and machine parts and assembly.
- Regional economic analysis of the manufacturing sector in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (SPIRC) retained Nexus Associates to analyze the Western Pennsylvania manufacturing sector, assessing the performance of local manufacturers and identifying key industries in the regional economy. Trends in manufacturing employment, output and productivity were analyzed at the state and county levels. The study included the generation of performance benchmarking reports for four major industries in the region to give manufacturers a better idea of where they stand on a variety of measures. Nexus Associates also assessed business costs in the region, including prices of fuel and electricity, tax rates and wages, and availability of skilled labor. The study provided information to develop and tailor SPIRC service delivery, marketing plans, and lobby efforts.
- Assessment of a proposed intermodal transport facility in Rhode Island.
A private investor group retained Nexus Associates to assess the potential market for a port in Rhode Island. The assessment focused on grain, coal, iron ore and automobiles. The study involved an analysis of the factors which drive domestic and international cargo movement, including total transportation costs of alternative transport modes. Nexus Associates also provided an economic impact study of the proposed project. The study involved estimating the future impacts of the construction and operation of the facility on the Rhode Island economy in terms of employment, personal income, Gross State Product, and other measures. Research included the benchmarking of other U.S. ports, computer simulations using a regional input-output model, and interviews with port officials, transportation economists, and transportation company executives.
- Assessment of the feasibility of an all-cargo airport in Rhode Island.
Nexus Associates was retained by a private investor group to assess the feasibility of establishing an all-cargo airport in Rhode Island. As part of this project, we prepared a profile of the air cargo industry based, in part, on in-depth interviews with key decision-makers in airlines, integrated carriers, freight forwarders, and manufacturers and distributors. We also developed detailed case studies of all-cargo airports in the United States. The study includes a series of recommendations with respect to target markets and facilities, as well as an overall development strategy.
- Analysis of the Massachusetts medical device industry.
Nexus Associates prepared an assessment of the medical device industry in Massachusetts for a recently established industry association. The report described the structure and performance of the medical device industry with respect to output, employment, productivity, research and development, patenting activity, and venture capital financing. Trends in Massachusetts were compared to those in other states as part of a competitive analysis. Nexus Associates also designed a survey to obtain background information on medical device companies and their interest in the industry association. Responses from more than 150 companies were used to formulate an agenda for the first year of operations.
- Assessment of the U.S. flat panel display industry.
Nexus Associates was hired by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to assess the status of the flat panel display (FPD) industry in the United States. Nexus Associates described the structure of the industry, key technologies and major participants. The firm also assessed the financial performance and growth prospects of selected companies. The project lays the foundation for further work aimed at fostering collaboration among FPD manufacturers and their customers and suppliers in the region.
- Development of a plan to promote growth of the plastics industry.
Nexus Associates developed a strategic plan designed to spur the development of the plastics industry for a chamber of commerce and regional planning commission in western Massachusetts. This entailed an assessment of the needs of the industry with respect to marketing, technology, and labor. We developed specific recommendations addressing the formation of an industry association, specific technical training courses, and university interactions.
- Design of a local economic adjustment strategy.
In a project conducted for the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, Nexus Associates developed a proposal to formulate an economic adjustment plan for communities affected by defense cutbacks in Northeast Massachusetts. The firm reviewed the importance of defense-related spending to the economy of the region, and worked to coordinate state and local regional planning agencies with overlapping jurisdiction in the area.
- Development of marketing materials to attract semiconductor manufacturers.
Nexus Associates recently developed a set of marketing materials to encourage major semiconductor producers to locate fabrication facilities in Massachusetts. Nexus Associates identified distinct advantages of the Commonwealth with respect to industrial sites and facilities, necessary public infrastructure, presence of an established network of suppliers and vendors, availability of skilled labor, and relevant university research programs. The materials will be used in national marketing efforts undertaken by a recently established consortium consisting of senior representatives of business associations, electric utilities and public agencies.
- Survey of demand for an industry-targeted science park in Northwest England.
Nexus Associates conducted a unique survey of all companies in Massachusetts within the targeted industrial sectors and interviewed all interested candidates. In addition, the firm compiled detailed case studies of two industry-targeted science parks in the United States.
- Analysis of the potential for attracting manufacturing facilities to Ireland.
In a study undertaken for the Industrial Development Authority of Ireland, Nexus Associates determined the likelihood of attracting manufacturers of hard disk drives to Ireland. We subsequently reviewed proposals submitted by two manufacturers to assess their potential for achieving production and employment targets.
- Assessment of the impact of technology in the textile industry.
For the Georgia Department of Industry and Trade, we reviewed production processes at textile plants and developed a forecasting model to assess the impact of new technologies on productivity, employment and occupational skills.
- Assessment of the feasibility of establishing a business incubator.
Nexus Associates was retained by the Massachusetts Technology Park Corporation (MTPC) to assess the feasibility of establishing a business incubator program designed to support the formation and growth of companies in the information technology industry, particularly in telecommunications. The feasibility study involved four major elements: a review of the experience of existing business incubator programs in the United States; an assessment of the market in Massachusetts for a business incubator program targeted at the information technology industry; the formulation of service offerings, organizational structure, major operating policies and a marketing strategy; and the preparation of detailed pro forma financial statements. The recommended services included a shared-use IC design center and product certification program.
- Preparation of technology incubator case studies.
The firm has prepared case studies of best practices in U.S. incubator programs on behalf of an economic development agency in Scotland. These case studies included assessments of sources of tenants, admissions and graduation policies, governance and organization, program activities, and facilities and equipment.
- Feasibility assessment for a network of science parks in Hong Kong.
Nexus Associates worked with Segal Quince Wicksteed Ltd., a U.K.-based consultancy, on a science park feasibility study in Hong Kong. Nexus Associates was responsible for assessing the magnitude and nature of demand for space and services likely to be generated by U.S. firms in the biotechnology, electronics, and telecommunications industries. As part of this effort, the firm conducted an analysis of industrial activities in the Asia / Pacific region, expansion strategies, and facility requirements. The firm also prepared an analysis of key trends in research and development in these industries and a review of the experience of research parks in the United States.
- Feasibility assessment for a comprehensive air cargo complex.
Nexus Associates was a key member of a team led by Shankland Cox -- a UK-based planning firm with offices in Hong Kong -- on a study for the Provisional Airport Authority in Hong Kong. Nexus Associates designed and carried out a survey of 250 freight forwarders, customs brokers, warehouses and distributors. Based on the results of the survey, the firm projected likely demand for space within the complex and identified specific facility and site requirements, e.g., ceiling heights, loading bays, parking, traffic circulation, and security. A series of case studies on similar property developments at other airports in the United States, Asia and Europe was also prepared.
- Formulation of an industrial land development strategy for Hong Kong.
Nexus Associates was employed by the Hong Kong Government to assess the demand for industrial land in different areas of Hong Kong and the potential to meet this demand through provision of new industrial sites and/or redevelopment of existing areas. As part of this study, the firm developed an econometric model to forecast demand based on the relationship between floor space requirements and changes in employment, capital investment, outward processing and improvements in efficiency. The overall strategy included recommendations on such issues as the timing and magnitude of industrial land production / provision, spatial distribution of industrial activity in the Territory, potential for comprehensive development projects, institutional mechanisms required for implementation, and zoning practices and building standards.
- Forecast of spatial distribution of economic activity in Hong Kong.
As part of a freight transport study, Nexus Associates was retained to estimate the level and pattern of economic activity in Hong Kong over the next ten to twenty years. This included the development of a model to demonstrate the likely distribution of industrial activity in the Territory under alternative development scenarios.
- Developed detailed cost model for integrated circuit fabrication facility.
Nexus Associates was retained by the Massachusetts Microelectronics Center to work with senior management on a variety of issues over a period of ten months. During that time, the firm developed a detailed cost model for an integrated circuit (IC) fabrication facility; prepared financial projections; assisted in complex negotiations with potential customers; and designed new initiatives to promote the growth of the local electronics industry.
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