Abstract
During the second half of the 1970s, the New England economy enjoyed a remarkable resurgence, exhibiting a significant growth in manufacturing employment. Much of the credit for the area's relative prosperity during this time can be attributed to the strong performance of its high technology industries. Doubts have been raised as to how long this prosperity can be sustained because of the availability of the scientists, engineers, and skilled technical workers needed for these industries to expand. An examination is made of the nature of the labor supply in New England. The results indicate that, although the per capita income is above the national average, wages and salaries in New England tend to be below the national figures. Results also show that the region has a diverse mix of manufacturing industries that combine high technology and traditional elements and a diversity of skills and experience. For the future, population growth in New England is expected to be less than that for the country as a whole. This may tighten the supply of people entering the workforce. Labor force flexibility may be a problem as well.