Economic Competitiveness

The Opportunity

Pennsylvania boasts dynamic global and local businesses, world-class academic institutions, a robust workforce, and thriving communities. It has distinct economic regions from rural to urban, two dominant metropolitan areas, and incredible natural assets. Yet its economic performance lags that of other states. Public and private sector leaders in Pennsylvania are eager to realize the Commonwealth’s full potential, to strengthen economic outcomes in the short- and long-term, to build economic momentum, and to establish Pennsylvania as a bold, innovative, global leader in economic development.

Governor Josh Shapiro has clearly identified Pennsylvania’s economic development and competitiveness as key priorities for his administration, and this emphasis will set a compelling course for Pennsylvania’s economic future. Working together in public-private partnership, Team PA is uniquely positioned to develop and then advance a long-term roadmap for innovation, economic growth and opportunity, in partnership with the Commonwealth, and through the engagement of the many stakeholders at a local, county and regional level involved in strengthening communities throughout Pennsylvania. Read the press release in which the governor announced this partnership and kicked off the process.

Engaging Regional Stakeholders Across Pennsylvania

To develop the most impactful roadmap, Team PA will deploy a regional outreach strategy to ensure key stakeholders across the community and economic development landscape can provide their perspective and local expertise.

Across Pennsylvania, strong networks of partners exist that work with communities and businesses every day – including economic development organizations, Local Development Districts, Industrial Resource Centers, Small Business Development Centers, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, along with higher education, chambers of commerce, and many other business and community resources. All have a vested interest in the overall economic competitiveness of their regions and the Commonwealth.

Key regional partners, who know their communities best, will serve as Team PA’s partners and lead points of contact for stakeholder engagement. They will help to disseminate information, gather input and organize feedback in September and October. Team PA will provide support to the regional networks to help frame strategic questions and synthesize feedback to facilitate the development of a long-term economic competitiveness strategy.

Share Your Input

Interested in sharing your thoughts on how the Commonwealth can be more economically competitive? We are encouraging respondents to think big and be creative. Stakeholders are encouraged to reach out to the regional lead based on their geographic location. Team PA’s online survey has now closed (effective 11/13/23).