Heinz Endowments: Innovation Economy Program

Overview

The Innovation Economy Program supports projects that can stimulate economic activity, broaden opportunity and promote shared prosperity throughout the region. Southwestern Pennsylvania's rich industrial heritage includes entrepreneurs, such as H. J. Heinz and George Westinghouse, who built world-class corporations that created family-sustaining jobs through technological innovation and sound business management. A deep base of engineering knowledge is still present in the region, despite the severe job losses in steel and manufacturing sectors 30 years ago. Recent economic performance overall has been weak; the population has been declining in size and aging; and racial disparities in economic opportunity and quality of life have persisted. Yet the regional economy has diversified, and major centers of excellence have been created in the region's research universities, medical centers, corporate and government laboratories, and cultural organizations. Drawing upon these assets, related industry sectors have the potential to sustain a vibrant regional economy and offer a range of exciting and rewarding careers. Grant making in the program is targeted to stimulate economic activity and broaden economic opportunity for all the region's citizens through innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly within these high-growth sectors.

Collaboration across program areas is an essential feature of our efforts in support of The Heinz Endowments’ mission to help our region thrive as a whole community — economically, ecologically, educationally and culturally — while advancing the state of knowledge and practice in the fields in which we work.

Individuals and groups are invited to communicate with program staff at any time. We welcome the opportunity to discuss new project concepts that can help achieve these goals.