Economic Impact

University of Pittsburgh Terabit City Economic Impact Analysis

Anchored by the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh is a national center for research, healthcare, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, life sciences, fintech, and quantum computing. Yet gaps in broadband access, affordability, and speed limit the city’s ability to fully retain talent, scale startups, and compete with peer innovation hubs. The Terabit City concept explores how universal, ultra-high-speed connectivity could reposition Pittsburgh for its next phase of growth.

Case Study:

University of Pittsburgh Terabit City Economic Impact Analysis

The Puzzle

Pittsburgh has successfully stabilized after decades of industrial transition, but economic growth has plateaued. Despite world-class research institutions and a growing technology base, the city risks remaining stable but stagnant without a bold, system-level intervention. The University of Pittsburgh sought to understand whether citywide terabit-speed broadband infrastructure could serve as that catalyst—and what such an investment would mean for economic growth, workforce development, innovation, and long-term competitiveness.

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How we helped

Parker Strategy Group conducted a comprehensive economic and workforce impact analysis examining the implications of deploying a citywide terabit network. The study integrated economic modeling, workforce analysis, sector benchmarking, and peer-city comparisons to assess:

Long-term economic growth and return on investment
Workforce retention and talent attraction
Startup formation and scale-up potential
Sector-specific impacts in AI, life sciences, quantum computing, and fintech
Household affordability and digital equity outcomes

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The analysis applied conservative assumptions and nationally recognized modeling tools to ensure credibility and replicability. The analysis showed that a Terabit City transformation could generate billions in impact over ten years and deliver a strong return on investment. Expanded connectivity would:

Accelerate GDP growth and household savings
Improve retention of university graduates and startup talent
Strengthen Pittsburgh’s position in advanced technology sectors
Close the digital divide while improving affordability for residents

Taken together, the findings demonstrate that broadband infrastructure is not merely a utility investment, but a foundational economic development strategy.

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How It Helped The Client

The Terabit City analysis provided the University of Pittsburgh with a data-driven framework to support civic leadership, philanthropic engagement, and regional planning conversations. The study positioned Pitt as a convener and catalyst—linking research capacity, workforce development, and inclusive growth through infrastructure.

By grounding a bold vision in rigorous analysis, the project helped clarify what is at stake for Pittsburgh’s next decade of growth—and what is possible with coordinated action.

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