The expected influx of federal infrastructure funding is coming at an important inflection point in our region’s economic development efforts. Of course, like much of the country, we need this funding for immediate needs — to repair roads and bridges. But if we think more broadly in terms of our overall economic goals, these projects can represent an investment that yields returns for many years to come.
We can create not only short-term jobs tied to individual construction projects, but waves of jobs into the future. We can create economic activity that produces future revenue so we can address not only today’s needs, but whatever tomorrow brings.
A recent study issued by RIDC and the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, with research conducted by TEConomy Partners, shows that our region is already a national leader in the autonomy industry and that our future success in growing this industry could result in 5,000 jobs and a $10 billion economic impact.
With funding now becoming available for a long list of infrastructure projects, we need to view our spending through this larger lens. Projects that are already in the planning stages present the opportunity to layer on features that will facilitate the expansion of the autonomy industry in our region.
We have all had the experience of seeing a street paved only to be torn up to replace gas or water lines, which then requires repaving. Let’s not do that now.
Let’s bring the industry into the discussion from the outset, along with the expertise of organizations like Traffic21 and the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, and talk about their future needs. As we’re improving roads, for example, are there areas where we can also install advanced telecom equipment or sensors to enable companies to test vehicles on that road more easily? Are there projects already on the drawing board that lend themselves to the addition of technology features that would make those into demonstration projects? Can we create a smart corridor that carries today’s vehicles and facilitates the development of future technologies?
If the autonomy industry in Pittsburgh is to realize its potential for job creation, it’s also going to require space for large manufacturing facilities. Up to now, research and development has driven our growth and reputation in this area, but as companies mature, they are going to need to build partnerships, supply chains and manufacturing capabilities.
Our report called for establishment of geofenced demonstration corridors to assist in the ongoing development of smart mobility technologies and for the creation of a contract manufacturing center and network for local companies as they begin manufacturing key systems necessary for robotics product advancement.
At the same time, we need to consider the communities that have so far not benefited from the recent positive economic trends — many of which are struggling to breathe life back into their main streets. These walkable and bikeable communities often have attractive historic buildings, affordable housing and could provide a range of amenities that are attractive to the people who work in new economy companies. We need to find effective ways of connecting large projects to communities.
We may be entering a period when the opportunities before us are clear, when an industry is poised for growth and when government has the financial resources to facilitate that growth in ways that benefit our entire region. Smart city initiatives have been launched before, but now, this infrastructure funding — if directed wisely — can give southwestern Pennsylvania a leg up in becoming a smart region.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Don Smith Jr.
Quelle/Source: The Business Journals, 05.12.2021
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