Digital and robotic-related jobs in the region increased by 318 for fiscal year 2006, and 12 new companies established or expanded their operations in southwastern Pennsylvania, reports The Technology Collaborative (TTC), a statewide economic development organization that supports the growth of Pennsylvania’s robotics, cyber-security and digital technologies industries.
With the loss of 36 jobs in the same period, the net gain for 2006 was 282 new jobs. That’s down a little from last year’s net gain of 304 jobs which was the most since 2001.
The average pay in these high-paying jobs is over $70,000, said David Ruppersberger, director. “We have lots of technology in the region—we include Penn State in our numbers and Pitt, PSU and CMU collectively do $1.6 billion of funded research every year,” Ruppersberger says, noting that with the exception of MIT and Boston, the Pittsburgh region pretty much rivals anywhere in the U.S.
“The technology is here and so is the tech talent. Capital is a challenge but it is everywhere," he notes, pointing out that venture capital in the first three quarters is already 3x the total of 2005.
What's missing? Stronger numbers in entrepreneurial talent. "We need to support entrepreneurs, recognize their contributions and do what we can to attract more the region to grow our own," says the director.
By the end of June, the 53-member TTC expects to have three to four “executives/entrepreneurs in residence,” a new program for execs who act as mentors and advisors and ultimately are placed in a local companies. Pittsburgh Life Science Group and Innovation Works both have similar programs.--TC
Source: David Ruppersberger, The Technology Collaborative
Image courtesy of The Technology Collaborative