Project Description

Company background

Project background

The City of McKinney seeks to understand its current and potential role in the international business and trade landscape. This research project aims to comprehensively assess the economic scope for the City’s participation in the global marketplace, focusing on data analysis, examining foreign direct investment (FDI), international trade flows, technology transfer, and ancillary trade activities. The project should provide a clear picture of McKinney’s existing engagement and identify potential avenues for growth.

Project scope and deliverables

Specifically, the City of McKinney would like to meet the following objectives:

• Quantify the extent of international trade and business activity in McKinney and Collin County: A) Analyze data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, international trade databases (e.g., UN Comtrade, World Bank), U.S. Census Bureau, and Federal Reserve to quantify the volume and value of imports, exports, and FDI inflows/outflows. B) Utilize Texas Economic Development Commission data to identify key international trade partners and industries.
• Qualify the nature and impact of international trade and business activity: A) Conduct qualitative interviews with relevant stakeholders, including international businesses, local businesses engaged in international trade, and economic development officials, to understand motivations, challenges, barriers, and opportunities in the international marketplace. B) Analyze academic literature and university sources to identify best practices and successful models for city engagement in international trade. C) Assess the impact of international trade and business activity on local economic development, job creation, and overall prosperity.
• Develop recommendations for enhancing McKinney’s presence in the global marketplace: A) Based on the quantitative and qualitative findings, identify potential strategies and initiatives to attract and retain international businesses, facilitate international trade flows, and promote technology transfer. B) Develop a strategic plan for leveraging McKinney’s unique assets and strengths to maximize its potential in the international marketplace.

Major Employers in McKinney:

• Raytheon Intelligence & Space
• Globe Life
• Encore Wire Company
• Independent Financial
• Medical Center McKinney
• Timber Blinds & Shutter
• PACCAR Dynacraft
• SRS Distribution
• Quadrant Spray Foam
• Simpson Strong-Tie

Relevant Links:

• www.mckinneytexas.org
• www.uniquemckinney.com
• www.mckinneycdc.org
• www.mckinneychamber.com
• www.flytki.com
• www.collincountytx.gov

Critical success factors

Required student skills