Strategic Impact Initiatives
Some of Pennsylvania’s biggest economic opportunities need more than one company, agency, or organization to move forward. Strategic Impact Initiatives are focused projects where Team Pennsylvania brings the right partners together around a shared opportunity to move from conversation to action.
Each initiative has a focused theory of the case, project-based work with a coalition of the willing, a path to funding, and tangible impact for Pennsylvania.
While our Cross-Sector Collaboratives create space for partners to exchange ideas and identify opportunities, Strategic Impact Initiatives bring partners together to turn those opportunities into action.
Energy
Advancing Nuclear Energy
Pennsylvania enters this new era of nuclear energy with a foundation many states are still working to build: one of the largest operating fleets in the country, a mature supply chain, and decades of deep expertise.
The opportunity ahead is to build on these strengths by investing strategically in our existing nuclear fleet, strengthening coordination across sectors, and positioning Pennsylvania to capitalize on growing demand for reliable energy and nuclear technology.
In May 2026, Team Pennsylvania released the Pennsylvania Nuclear Energy Roadmap, developed with input from more than 70 leaders representing 50 organizations. The roadmap outlines a path forward to strengthen Pennsylvania’s nuclear energy leadership and long-term competitiveness.
Transmission and Grid Planning
Through the Pennsylvania Accelerated Transmission and Energy Redevelopment (PATER) Study, Team Pennsylvania is studying, identifying, and prioritizing Pennsylvania sites for transmission upgrades and redevelopment to enhance grid reliability, resource adequacy, and statewide economic revitalization.
In partnership with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the Governor’s Office, state agencies, and industry the study assesses retired power plant sites and other industrial sites that could be put back to work, potentially giving new investment a head start.
Energy, Data Centers, and Artificial Intelligence
As more industries adopt artificial intelligence, demand for computing power and the energy needed to support it continues to grow. Pennsylvania is well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity by building on its energy assets, infrastructure, and technology capabilities.
In September 2025, Team Pennsylvania released the Pennsylvania Energy, Data Centers, and AI Roadmap, a forward-looking strategy developed with leaders across energy, technology, academia, labor, and economic development to position Pennsylvania as a leader in the age of artificial intelligence.
High-Performance Concrete
Concrete is the most widely used man-made material on Earth, and Pennsylvania is among the nation’s largest producers and users. In April 2026, Team Pennsylvania and the EFI Foundation launched the High-Performance Concrete Initiative, bringing together producers, builders, and public partners to accelerate the adoption of concrete that performs better and lasts longer.
Manufacturing, Robotics, and Tech
AI and Robotics Value Chain
AI and robotics are transforming industries across Pennsylvania’s economy, and the Commonwealth has many of the capabilities needed to compete in these growing markets. To better understand these strengths and identify opportunities for growth, Team Pennsylvania commissioned the first statewide analysis of Pennsylvania’s AI and robotics value chain to assess competitive strengths, gaps in the supply chain, and opportunities to grow the industry.
AI Scaling in Manufacturing
Artificial intelligence presents significant opportunities to improve productivity and competitiveness across Pennsylvania’s manufacturing sector, but many small and mid-sized manufacturers face barriers to adopting and scaling these technologies.
Team Pennsylvania’s AI Scaling Initiative aims to bridge this gap by connecting manufacturers with technical expertise, resources, and partners to support AI adoption, while sharing practical lessons and best practices to help accelerate adoption across the broader manufacturing sector.
Keystone AI + Quantum Factory
Pennsylvania’s leading research universities are at the forefront of AI and quantum innovation, creating opportunities to translate cutting-edge research into practical applications that strengthen the Commonwealth’s economy.
In April 2026, Pennsylvania’s seven R1 universities joined the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Team Pennsylvania to launch the Keystone AI + Quantum Factory. This statewide initiative aims to expand access to advanced computing resources and accelerate the development of AI and quantum solutions for Pennsylvania industries. Team Pennsylvania serves as a neutral convener, bringing partners together to align priorities and advance shared goals.
Agriculture and Forestry
Pennsylvania Hardwood Mass Timber Initiative
As demand for innovative wood products grows, Pennsylvania has an opportunity to build on its abundant hardwood resources and established forest products industry to capture new markets and create economic value from underutilized wood.
Team Pennsylvania is working with partners across the Commonwealth and nation to expand commercial opportunities for Pennsylvania hardwoods, including mass timber. Through market research and coordinated efforts to strengthen the supply chain, this initiative aims to turn Pennsylvania’s natural resources into new opportunities for industry growth.
Emerging Strategic Impact Initiatives
Emerging Strategic Impact Initiatives are early-stage efforts where Team Pennsylvania is gathering information, building partnerships, and testing ideas. We welcome new partners who want to help shape what comes next.
AgTech
New agricultural technologies can help Pennsylvania farms improve productivity, address operational challenges, and strengthen their long-term competitiveness. Team Pennsylvania is working to accelerate on-farm technology adoption by assessing barriers through a statewide survey in partnership with Penn State University and bringing together partners to establish the Keystone AgTech Alliance.
Food Processing
Many agricultural products grown in Pennsylvania leave the Commonwealth for processing, creating an opportunity to expand in-state processing capacity and capture more economic value from the products grown here.
Team Pennsylvania is working with leaders across the food industry to explore opportunities for growth and better understand the barriers to expanding food processing in Pennsylvania.