Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Talent-Based Economic Development

Hot off of Google Reader, a big win for Southwestern PA:

Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today that Smith Micro – a leading software development and marketing company – will establish a new research and development center in the Pittsburgh region, creating at least 230 jobs, .

The Governor said Smith Micro Software Inc. will open a new research and development center at an undetermined site in southwestern Pennsylvania that will house a data center and other professional operations. The $7 million project will create the new jobs within three years. ...

... “Pittsburgh is a booming technology city and opening a new research and development center here will not only strategically expand Smith Micro’s global footprint, but will also fuel job growth throughout the region,” said Smith Micro CEO William W. Smith Jr. “Smith Micro was seeking a creative environment with a highly skilled, hardworking talent pool, as well as access to a great university system rich in technology and innovation. Pittsburgh more than fulfills these requirements and we’re excited to break ground on our new research and development center and expand into another region in the United States.”

Well, we all know Smith Micro isn't coming to Pittsburgh for the business climate. And software development couldn't be more geographically independent. Or so one might think. Pittsburgh can boast a talent pool that few metros can match. That's in line with yesterday's post about the geography of the knowledge economy. I'll be interested to find out the exact location of the research and development center. I hope it will be in the city.

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