report 1 in a series of transportation and trade studies the appalachian region analysis global competitiveness selected industries clusters for regional commission prepared by jack faucett associates 4550 montgomery avenue suite 300 north bethesda md 20814 301 961 8800 2 oliver street 9 th floor boston ma 02109 617 338 6775 november 5 2004 table contents executive summary chapter introduction 8 industrial 2a manufacturing industry geographic concentration 10 electronic components auto parts 12 3 machinery 13 4 household furniture 15 labor costs 17 productivity 18 capital investment 20 capacity utilization 21 6 23 7 transactions 27 economic impact multipliers environmental regulatory 29 2b services 33 united states educational exports sector 34 11 us losing export market share to other countries 36 international student facts 37 best practices programs at higher education institutions 38