As the race to lead the AI revolution heats up among various states, Pennsylvania could emerge as a frontrunner if it seizes the opportunity, write Bruce Katz, Founding Director of the Nowak Metro Finance Lab at Drexel University, and Joanna Doven, Founder and CEO of the Pittsburgh AI Strike Team for The Philadelphia Citizen.
By hosting the inaugural PA Energy and Innovation Summit at Carnegie Mellon University on July 15, Pennsylvania has taken a major step forward in the AI competition. The event attracted President Trump, key Cabinet officials, and was one of the most formidable gatherings of capital and influence ever seen in Pennsylvania, or possibly any state.
The summit brought together leaders spanning finance and technology — from Blackstone President Jon Gray to executives of the UAE’s sovereign wealth fund and CEOs of top U.S. energy companies and global tech giants.
Pennsylvania became the world’s AI hub for a day, as the event added momentum to Governor Josh Shapiro’s efforts to grow the sector. More than $90 billion in new data center, energy, and workforce investments were announced, building on earlier wins.
The question now is whether state leaders can turn this advantage into longer term economic gains.
Read more about the AI race taking place in Pennsylvania and nationwide at The Philadelphia Citizen.
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