PITTBURGH — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, today hosted Pittsburgh Innovates, an event highlighting the role of data-driven innovation in modernizing businesses and promoting economic growth, specifically in the Pittsburgh region.
“Thanks to now and emerging technologies, data-driven innovation can be an asset for any company – not just technology companies. Using data has helped businesses in Pittsburgh and around the country harness technology, create jobs, and grow the economy,” said Tim Day, senior vice president of the Chamber Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC). “As the tech industry continues to push the boundaries of how data can be used to spur innovation, we need to ensure that regulations on data usage are fair for businesses and consumers. We must be willing to adopt policies that allow technological advances to reach their full potential.”
“Pittsburgh region-born innovation is exceeding or extending the limits of what was once considered possible across industries,” said Matt Smith, president of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, an affiliate of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. “The advances being developed here are changing how people take care of their health, power their homes and businesses and protect their personal assets from cybercrime, not to mention the protection of our national security, even as we’re creating on demand, with additive manufacturing, complex parts for jet engines or replacement joints for bones. Pittsburghers are embracing innovation and technology to challenge the status quo and change the world. Our universities and business community have put the region at a new frontier. Once known as the ‘gateway to the west,’ Pittsburgh is now a gateway to the future – a place that, because of innovation, is increasingly bright.”
Pittsburgh Innovates, held at the Energy Innovation Center, brought together government officials and local business leaders from industry sectors such as energy, robotics, healthcare, and manufacturing to discuss the role of innovation in bringing opportunity, talent, jobs and growth to the Pittsburgh region.
Speakers included Congressmen Mike Doyle (D-PA 14) and Tim Murphy (R-PA 18), and Chief of Staff & Chief Development Officer of the City of Pittsburgh Kevin Acklin. Panelists included VP, CAS Application Development of Convestro, LLC Jim Charron; Founder and CEO of BlueTree Capital Group Catherine Mott; Carnegie Mellon University Electrical & Computer Engineering Professor Raj Rajkumar; UPMC Chief Innovation Officer Rasu Shrestha; and PPG Director of Technology and Science Initiatives Phillip Yu.
C_TEC was established to advance technology’s role in the U.S. economy. Our members are excited about the future of technology to drive growth, jobs, and life-changing advances in transportation, medicine, consumer experiences, and business operations. C_TEC promotes policies that foster innovation and creativity and sponsors research to inform policymakers and the public.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. The U.S. Chamber’s National Security Task Force is made up of more than 200 member organizations, and the Chamber’s Cyber Working Group is made up of more than 200 companies.
