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Key Industries in the Commonwealth

Pennsylvania is home to a thriving and diverse business community. Life sciences, high technology, advanced manufacturing, and business services are the top industries found in the commonwealth.

Backed by a $2.8 billion Economic Stimulus Plan, Pennsylvania is taking unprecedented steps to create jobs, retain talent, grow the economy, and position the commonwealth for success. Our programs provide the capital necessary for growth and innovation for companies ranging from early stage to mature and global.

Pennsylvania: The Right Place for Growth

Explore the exciting growth happening in Pennsylvania industries:

• Advanced Manufacturing & Materials
  PA’s advanced manufacturing and materials industry contributes $64 billion to the gross state product and employs nearly 640,000 Pennsylvanians.
• Business Services
  The business services industry ranges from network systems and software to finance and insurance and is one of the fastest growing in the nation.
• High Technology
  The commonwealth’s technology-friendly environment makes it a top spot for high tech firms in areas like next-generation technology and renewable energy.
• Information Technology
  A key component of business in Pennsylvania, information technology includes hardware, software, robotics, as well as assistance programs that promote technological growth for companies of all sizes.
• Life Sciences
  Our life sciences industry includes 125 bio-pharma companies and more than 2,000 life sciences organizations. In 2008, Business Facilities ranked Pennsylvania #1 in biotechnology strength.

Talent

Pennsylvania is known for its well-trained and dedicated workforce. Our job training programs ensure our workers are among the best in the country, and 240 top colleges and universities produce new ideas and technology, as well as talent.

Pennsylvania:

• Has the 3rd-largest number of colleges and universities in the U.S.
• Has four of the top 50 universities in the U.S. – the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, Lehigh University, and Pennsylvania State University.
• Is ranked 5th in the U.S. for the number of doctoral scientists and 8th for the number of doctoral engineers.

More Info

• Pennsylvania’s Global Competitiveness Report (PDF)
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