State economic development efforts have focused on developing the state’s competitive strengths and leveling the playing field to attract or retain business investments. States have used a variety of strategies, including streamlining the tax and regulatory environment, supporting incentives targeted to specific high impact economic opportunities, developing emerging industries, investing in new technologies, supporting strategically important infrastructure investments, providing critically important amenities that help attract private investment, and training workers to help companies increase their productivity. In general, these strategies have focused on reducing business costs and maximizing the benefits of operating a firm in the state.