FOR SEVERAL remarkable weeks this summer, the eyes of the world were on Boston and Massachusetts, and the city and Commonwealth were ready.

From FIFA World Cup matches to the return of the Tall Ships/Sail Boston to the celebrations surrounding America’s 250th anniversary, Boston and the Commonwealth stepped confidently onto the global stage. Millions of people watched. Hundreds of thousands visited. We brought the world to our home, and that home sparkled.

This period proved something important: Greater Boston can host the world. Now we need to make sure we are willing and able to do it again and again because doing so brings lasting economic and civic benefits to our region.

The last two months demonstrated the case for hosting more major events. Economic activity was elevated, with marked boosts for the hospitality sector — bars, restaurants, and hotels — many of them small businesses. The full economic impact is still being calculated. For example, FIFA reports that Boston outdid all other World Cup host cities in the increase in spending in bars and restaurants during the first two weeks.

We will also see long-term benefits: This summer did more for the state’s reputation than any marketing campaign could. Vibrancy, camaraderie, and fun dominated. Just as importantly, visitors had the opportunity to see the region anew, as a place to visit again, send their children to university, host global events, and even locate a business. Executives travelling overseas have been peppered with questions and comments about the region from their foreign counterparts.

Throughout these events, visitors from around the world experienced Massachusetts at its best: a region that was welcoming, energetic, and capable of delivering events of international significance. They saw world class universities, hospitals, businesses, and research institutions all based here. They saw a place where ideas can become companies. For international companies considering where to establish or expand their US presence, the Commonwealth should be at the top of the list.

These outcomes happened because the private sector, public officials, local communities, and civic organizations collaborated. Businesses contributed more than $25 million in direct sponsorships. Volunteers gave valuable time. Hospitality staff greeted visitors. Public safety personnel worked long hours to ensure events were safe and successful. Together, we showed what Greater Boston and the Commonwealth can accomplish when they rally around a common goal.

At the same time, we should take away a deeper lesson. This region has always been global, a place that punches above its weight, while quietly changing the world. It helped launch a nation, fueled the Industrial Revolution, pioneered advances in medicine and education, and became one of the world’s leading centers of finance, technology, and innovation. Again and again, Greater Boston’s impact reaches far beyond its borders. This summer showed that we do not need to be quiet; we can bring the world to Boston and they’ll embrace it.

Large-scale events are not just celebrations; they are an economic development strategy. The people who experienced Boston this summer are potential future residents and part of a future workforce. The businesses that watched from abroad are potential future employers. A region that can host the world signals to talent and capital alike that it is open, capable, and worth betting on.

Policymakers can turn that initial interest into lasting investment by ensuring that the Commonwealth maintains a business climate as welcoming as the hospitality that greeted our visitors; competitiveness is won not in a single summer, but in the choices we make to keep the door open.

Boston and Massachusetts shined this summer, and we should be proud of that. Importantly, we should treat it as the beginning of something larger: a shift to viewing ourselves as the impactful global destination that we are and something upon which we should capitalize.

Ron O’Hanley is chairman and CEO of State Street Corp.