Data, Deals & Global Wins: Shaping What’s Next

This week, the World Business Chicago Research Center released its latest Chicago Business Bulletin: Chicagoland By the Numbers — a comprehensive, data-driven snapshot of the region’s economy. The report arrives ahead of the Chicago 2050 plan for economic growth and jobs, our first long-range economic plan in over a decade, set for release this September.

For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of our region’s economic landscape, By the Numbers offers an indispensable look at the region’s competitive position. The data not only benchmarks where we stand — it reveals where the next opportunities lie.

The Numbers Behind the Chicagoland Region’s Competitiveness

• $886B Gross Regional Product – Chicagoland ranks between the world’s 21st and 22nd largest economies, just behind Switzerland and ahead of Taiwan, Belgium, and Argentina.
• #1 in Corporate Relocations & Expansions – 582 qualifying projects in 2024, nearly 100 more than Dallas.
• Most Diversified U.S. Metro Economy – No single sector accounts for more than 13% of GDP.
• Talent Powerhouse – 145,525 post-secondary completions annually; 42% of residents hold a college degree (national average: 36%).
• Sector Growth Leaders – Food manufacturing (+7.2%), life sciences (+4.4%), finance & insurance (+4.1%).
• Global Trade Hub – O’Hare International Airport handled $295B in trade (5.5% of U.S. total) in 2024.
• Growth Capital Raised – $4.32B invested in 538 companies; median deal size tripled year-over-year to $2M.
• Workforce Scale – Labor force peaked at 5.07M in July 2024; over 1.05M unique job postings last year.

Pro-Chicago Decisions: Investments Driving Growth

At the halfway mark of 2025, World Business Chicago’s Business Development team has tracked more than 100 Pro-Chicagoland Decisions — major corporate investments meeting benchmarks for scale, jobs, or foreign direct investment. Collectively, these projects have generated over 10,000 new jobs and nearly $1 billion in earnings for residents.

Recent highlights include:

• Xturnpoint + Xentria, Inc.: Xturnpoint, a new accelerator for early-stage drug innovators, launched in tandem with Xentria, Inc. relocating to a larger Chicago HQ that more than doubles its footprint in Lincoln Park. The expansion is fueled by a growing team and pipeline—strengthening Chicago’s life sciences bench and the city’s emerging therapeutics cluster.
• Abbott Laboratories announced an expansion of manufacturing and R&D tied to its diagnostics transfusion business—critical tech that helps screen out contaminated blood donations. The project is expected to hire up to 200 people, adding skilled jobs while deepening the region’s diagnostics and med-tech capabilities.
• Japanese chemical manufacturer Osaka Soda chose Schaumburg for its first U.S. headquarters, following direct engagement during WBC’s Japan trade mission. With 1,000+ employees worldwide, Osaka Soda’s U.S. landing strengthens Chicagoland’s advanced materials and specialty chemicals footprint—and underscores the region’s FDI draw.
• Quantum leader Infleqtion will invest $50M over four years to build the first-scale, neutral-atom quantum computer at the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park on the South Side, with plans to hire ~50 employees. Proximity to the University of Chicago, Northwestern, Fermilab, and Argonne accelerates commercialization, cementing Chicago’s position as a global quantum hub.

Together, these wins illustrate the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership strategy at work—landing investments across the city and suburbs, from HQs and R&D to advanced manufacturing—while creating quality jobs and reinforcing sector depth in life sciences, chemicals, and quantum tech.

Considering a move or expansion? Our Business Development team can help you compare options across the region—site selection, workforce planning, incentives, research, and more—so you can make a confident, data-driven decision. 📩 DM us and let’s make it happen.

FDI on the Agenda: Transatlantic Business & Investment Conference

On August 25-26, Chicago hosts the Transatlantic Business & Investment Conference for the first time. The event convenes economic developers, site selectors, and international executives to examine European foreign direct investment in the U.S.

Themed “Energizing Investments – Data-backed Strategies for FDI Growth”, the conference will feature:

• Expert panels on global FDI trends, energy strategies, and transatlantic economic shifts.
• Fireside chats showcasing successful European-U.S. site selection projects.
• Data-driven insights into regional competitiveness and community readiness.
• Networking with companies, consultants, and public-sector leaders.

Special Offer: WBC network members receive 50% off non-member pricing with code WBC2025. Click here to register.

Chicago stands at the threshold of a new chapter — one where our diverse economy, global connections, and catalytic investments in sport, commerce, and innovation are converging into real momentum.

Through Build Better Together, Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, and our other strategic initiatives, we are aligning our strengths, closing the gap between perception and reality, and showcasing a city and region that leads with purpose.

The world is not just noticing; it’s engaging — from international delegations and marquee events to the voices of leaders who are choosing to stake their future here. This is the early stage of a renaissance, powered by collaboration, creativity, and the relentless spirit captured in Never Done. Never Outdone. Chicago’s best days are not behind us — they’re being built right now.