Intermediate Steel-Industry Suppliers in the Pittsburgh Region: A Cluster-Based Analysis of Regional Economic Resilience

Abstract

The experience of intermediate steel-industry suppliers in the Pittsburgh region offers valuable insight into how traditional industrial clusters can serve as a source of economic resilience in regions, like Pittsburgh, where a “signature” industry contracts or relocates. We find that intermediate steel-industry suppliers in Pittsburgh remain an important part of the region’s economic base, serving as a significant source of export income from national and international markets. Survey results reported here offer a description of the cluster’s characteristics. An important subset of firms in this cluster relies on “key” contacts in the region, such as suppliers, partners, and business networks for collaboration on product development or marketing. By recognizing and supporting such local linkages, policy initiatives can help to strengthen the cluster and contribute to the region’s economic resilience.