Conducted every two years since 2008, the Global Cities Index provides a unique measure of global engagement for 66 cities across five dimensions - business activity, human capital, information exchange, cultural experience, and political engagement. The 2012 Global Cities Index was developed by A.T. Kearney and The Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

"While most other city rankings limit their focus to business or quality of life measures, the Global Cities Index provides a holistic look at what differentiates cities in generating, attracting and retaining global capital, people, and ideas," says Rachel Bronson, Chicago Council on Global Affairs vice president of studies.

The 2012 edition of the Index includes the Emerging Cities Outlook 2012, a forward-looking measurement of emerging cities that have the potential to improve their global standing in future years. Beijing, Shanghai and Taipei top this newly introduced perspective.

"The Global Cities Index is a tool that business executives can use to identify locations for regional headquarters that have the potential to attract and retain top talent," says Mike Hales, A.T. Kearney partner and study co-leader. "Many cities are also using the Global Cities Index to benchmark their development initiatives."

Click here for the full list of cities.

Source: A.T. Kearney