With a number of scandals at Chinese companies listed in New York, the US Securities and Exchange Commission tightened the rules on private companies going public by merging with a shell company. But smaller companies, unable to launch initial public offerings, are set to lose out, as reverse mergers are the only way to attract capital.

Thanks to a strong web of universities, entrepreneurial spirit and good co-operation between public and private entities, Pittsburgh has transformed itself from the Steel City to a tech town.

East and south coast US states are improving their ports and intermodal infrastructure, as the widening of the Panama Canal nears completion.

Two recent public-private partnerships have significantly improved railway infrastructure in the US, opening up routes between east coast ports and major cities in the east and mid-west.