The Commonwealth has historically been an innovation leader, and Pennsylvania retains a stable of effective, scalable innovation assets. This includes a robust university system that generates significant R&D, as well as a set of capable technology-based economic development programs that operate across the state. However, in recent years, Pennsylvania’s innovation economy has gone flat, and the state has scaled back public investment in its most significant innovation resources. As a result, Pennsylvania’s innovation economy now faces a set of discrete challenges.
In 2022, Grow PA is promoting the formation of innovation centers for specific economic sectors, each tethered to a research university well established in that sector. This would address the commonwealth’s need to translate our best R&D innovations from higher education into successful entrepreneurship. Potential centers in Pennsylvania could include:
- Penn State, University Park and Commonwealth Campuses (ag-tech, advanced manufacturing, materials)
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center (medical devices)
- Carnegie Mellon University (AI, robotics, computing)
- University of Pittsburgh (surgery, vaccine development)
- University of Pennsylvania (human therapeutics)
Michigan’s Translational Research & Commercialization (MTRAC) program is a model for sector-based innovation centers. Launched in 2012 and expanded in 2016, the MTRAC Program leverages startups to accelerate tech transfers from Michigan’s institutions of higher learning into the commercial market. Innovation Hubs, based at universities across Michigan support projects from all institutions of higher education, hospital systems and nonprofit research centers. They include:
- Michigan State University Agri Bio Innovation Hub
- University of Michigan Life Sciences Innovation Hub
- University of Michigan Advanced Transportation Innovation Hub
- Michigan Technological University Advanced Materials Innovation Hub
- Wayne State University Advanced Computing Innovation Hub
Although not tethered to universities, the Georgia Center of Innovation Program is another model for sector-specific innovation hubs. The program operates five Industrial Centers in the following sectors: Aerospace, Energy Technology, Information Technology, Logistics, and Manufacturing. Georgia COI provides leading technical industry expertise, research collaborations, and business partnerships to help the state’s strategic industries.
If we are to truly grow Pennsylvania, attract and retain talent, and become leaders in innovation, the General Assembly must act now and invest in innovation. To join us in this advocacy effort or to receive a copy of the innovation case statement, please email Liz Ferry at lferry@chamberphl.com or call 215-356-8252.
Grow PA’s important work could not be possible without the leadership and support of Essential Utilities and The Pennsylvania State University.
It is understandable that the impact of entrepreneurship is not what it has been, but a pandemic will do things like that, however I do believe the entrepreneur spirit is alive and well in Bucks County. My name is Bill Viel, and I am co-chair of the Business and Information Management Department at Delaware Valley University, and Director of the School’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center. While we have successfully supported the started up several new businesses, during the pandemic our emphasis has been helping existing businesses to stay in business. Doylestown is also home to “Startup Bucks,” run by Jonathan Mercer, and they are very active in the entrepreneur community. Together we are keeping the entrepreneur spirit alive.