Each year, the Wealth Report Global Cities Survey by Real Estate consultant Knight Frank and Citi Private Bank produces a guide to the world’s most influential cities.

The Wealth Report 2010 considers each city’ share of  world financial flows and economic activity and assesses political influence, intellectual activity and, critically liveability.

Key finding this year is the shift from West to East.  Rising emerging centres of Asia are Beijing, Singapore and Shanghai as they gain economic activity and greater political clout on the world stage.   Where they still fall short is on the softer issues of quality of life and knowledge and intellectual influence.

Success stories from the developed economies with strong results are in locations like Berlin, Brussels, Sidney and Boston. 

This year Berlin climbs 5 places, ending 8th in the ranking.  Brussels maintains its 6th position in the overall ranking and scores high (3rd) for political power, catching up on New York.

All in all Brussels remains a strategic location in the top 40 cities: for economic activity the city ranks 15th, 14th for knowledge and influence and 11th for quality of  life.