After decades of stagnation and decline, U.S. advanced industries such as semiconductors, biomanufacturing, and clean power generation are experiencing an investment boom, aided in part by major new federal investment programs. How can those investments deliver high-quality economic opportunities for a diverse array of workers, small businesses, and communities? And what role should public policies play in sustaining local industrial revitalization, particularly in transitioning regions like Pittsburgh?
On April 24, the Brookings Institution, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Pittsburgh will host an event to explore these issues in the context of the 2024 election, with its implications for the future growth of industry in southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond. The program will feature state and local officials, national thought leaders, and regional experts to discuss the growth of advanced industries; how federal, state, and local development decisions can best support that growth; and how voter choices in 2024 could impact future access to good jobs and economic opportunity in the region and state.
A light breakfast will be available beginning at 8 a.m. ET. The event will be live streamed for those that cannot attend in person. The live stream will appear on this webpage at 8:50 a.m. on April 24. No log-in or password will be required.
This event is a part of Election ’24: Issues at Stake, a Brookings initiative that aims to bring public attention to consequential policy issues confronting voters and policymakers in the run up to the 2024 election. This includes equipping leaders with insights and policy ideas to help them govern in 2025 and beyond.
In Partnership With
Agenda
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April 24
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Welcome remarks
Farnam Jahanian President - Carnegie Mellon UniversityJoan Gabel Chancellor - University of Pittsburgh -
Event framing remarks
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Panel discussion: Bolstering advanced manufacturing in Southwestern Pennsylvania
Panelists
Rick Siger Secretary - PA Department of Community and Economic DevelopmentPetra Mitchell President and CEO - Catalyst ConnectionModerator
Amy Liu Presidential Advisor and Senior Fellow - The Brookings Institution, Brookings Metro @amy_liuw -
Panel discussion: Translating Pittsburgh’s life-science research strength into commercial prospects
Panelists
Sam Reiman Director - Richard King Mellon FoundationKen Gabriel CEO - BioForgeSuma Krishnan President, Research & Development - Krystal Biotech, Inc. -
Panel discussion: Leveraging a federal place-based challenge grant to broaden the impact of robotics and autonomy
Panelists
Ben Pratt Regional Economic Competitiveness Officer - Allegheny Conference on Community DevelopmentSherri McCleary Executive Director - Digital FoundryRob Cherry CEO - Partner4Work
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