Sage, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. What are the most promising industries you're seeing grow in our state right now?
Thank you for having me. Pennsylvania is experiencing remarkable growth across several key sectors and what should excite locals is the diversity of opportunities that are becoming available. The three standout areas I'm tracking in the area are life sciences and healthcare technology, advanced manufacturing and agriculture innovation. These aren't just theoretical growth areas; they are creating real jobs and opportunities right here in Pennsylvania communities.
Let's start with life sciences. What makes Pennsylvania such an attractive location for this industry?
Pennsylvania has become a powerhouse in life sciences by contributing approximately $50 billion to the state's economy. Major industry leaders like GlaxoSmithKline and AmerisourceBergen have established headquarters in the commonwealth and other well known businesses like Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, Bayer Healthcare, Teva Pharmaceuticals and 2,300 other life science have established major presences in Pennsylvania.
What's particularly exciting is the recent investment momentum. Over the first half of 2025, firms including Eli Lilly and Company, Merck and Amgen have announced plans or specific locations for investing billions of dollars toward new life sciences manufacturing facilities in the United States and Pennsylvania has positioned itself well to capture a large portion of this investment.
How can local residents take advantage of these opportunities?
The life sciences sector offers opportunities at every education level, if you have a high school diploma, there are several quality control positions, for example: laboratory technician roles and manufacturing positions that often provide “on the job” training. Also community colleges are responding by offering specialized programs in biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
For college graduates, the opportunities are even larger. There is a major demand for research scientists, regulatory affairs specialists, clinical research coordinators and bioinformatics professionals. Many companies are also creating apprenticeship programs that combine classroom learning and hands on experience.
The key is staying informed about which companies are expanding. I recommend following the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development's updates and connecting with local Industrial Resource Centers, which often have direct relationships with growing companies.
Manufacturing seems to be experiencing a renaissance. Can you tell us about what's driving this growth?
Absolutely, Pennsylvania's manufacturing sector is being transformed by advanced technologies and reshoring trends. The Manufacturing PA Innovation Program, is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development and is a collaboration between Pennsylvania colleges and universities, the Industrial Resource Centers (IRCs) and the Department of Community and Economic Development.
This program is crucial because it's bridging the gap between traditional manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies. This is resulting in companies investing in automation, robotics and smart manufacturing systems, which requires a new skilled workforce.
What types of jobs are emerging in modern manufacturing?
The manufacturing jobs of today are far different from what people might expect. There is demand for CNC programmers, robotics technicians, quality assurance specialists and manufacturing engineers. Many of these positions require technical training rather than four year degrees and this makes them accessible to a wider range of workers.
The beauty of Pennsylvania's approach is that they’re not just focusing on attracting new companies, they're helping existing manufacturers modernize. This means existing workers can often transition into better paying positions through these types of retraining programs.
Agriculture might surprise some people as a growth industry. Can you explain what's happening in this sector?
Agriculture is still one of Pennsylvania's economic pillars because it contributes $132 billion annually to Pennsylvania's economy and supports more than 580,000 jobs across the Commonwealth. If you’re not familiar with modern farming it’s quite advanced and it’s seeing incredible innovation in agricultural technology.
The growth areas include precision agriculture, where farmers use GPS technology and data analytics to optimize crop yields; organic and specialty crop production; and agritourism. There is also an expansion in food processing and packaging facilities, which create jobs throughout the supply chain.
If you are not in this industry, how can people get involved in agricultural innovation?
The opportunities are more diverse than most people realize. On the technology side, they need agricultural engineers, data analysts and even drone operators. On the business side, there's demand for agricultural marketing specialists, supply chain coordinators and agricultural finance professionals.
For those interested in direct farming, Pennsylvania offers numerous programs to help new farmers get started, including land access programs and technical assistance. The state is also investing heavily in agricultural research, creating opportunities for scientists and researchers.
Sage, how does the role of marketing impact these growing industries? How important is effective marketing for businesses in these sectors?
As a marketing and product executive with over 10 years in healthcare marketing alone, I can tell you first hand it is absolutely critical. In life sciences, companies need to communicate complex scientific concepts to investors, regulators and the public. Manufacturing companies are no longer just competing on price, they actually need to demonstrate their technological abilities. Agricultural businesses are becoming more “direct to consumer”, which requires strong brand development and digital marketing skills.
What's fascinating is how marketing augmentation is transforming these traditional industries. Companies are using sophisticated customer relationship management systems, automated email campaigns and data analytics to reach their target audiences more effectively.
What advice would you give to someone looking to enter these growing industries?
First, I would start with education and networking. Attend industry events, join professional associations and consider additional training or certification programs. Many of these industries offer professional development paths and free training.
Second, look for support systems available in Pennsylvania. The Industrial Resource Centers provide free consulting services to manufacturers. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture offers extensive resources for agricultural businesses. And organizations like Ben Franklin Technology Partners provide funding and mentorship for technology companies.
Third, consider the interconnected nature of these industries. Life sciences companies need marketing professionals who understand regulatory requirements. Manufacturing companies need salespeople who can explain complex technologies. Agricultural businesses need financial analysts who understand commodity markets. The opportunities exist at the intersections of these industries.
What role do you see small businesses playing in these growth sectors?
Small businesses are absolutely crucial to Pennsylvania's economic growth. They often serve as suppliers to larger companies, marketing and sales service providers. In life sciences, small biotech companies are developing breakthrough treatments. In manufacturing, small shops are providing custom solutions that larger companies can't offer economically. In agriculture, small farms are meeting the growing demand for locally sourced and specialty products.
The key is finding your niche and building expertise in that area. Small businesses can often move faster and provide more personalized service than larger competitors. So entrepreneurs looking to enter these sectors can find plenty of opportunities with the right marketing strategy.
