Pittsburgh's Economy

Background

Dugan is the executive director of the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, which was created to foster the growth and development of family businesses and entrepreneurial firms and to provide knowledge, advice, and innovative services to businesses at every stage in the business life cycle. She is the author and editor of Franchising 101 (Upstart, 1998), a guide to evaluating, purchasing, operating, and growing a successful franchised business.

Background
A national expert on the economics of the steel industry, Giarratani has been tracking the industry since the 1970s and has investigated what he calls its “economic restructuring.” His book, The Renaissance of American Steel (Oxford University Press, 1996), has been required reading for all managers at U.S. Steel.

In 2001, Giarratani established Pitt’s Center for Industry Studies to support research that is based on a deep understanding of steel firms and the markets in which they compete. The center holds an extensive database and has funded studies on topics ranging from steel mini-mills to income distribution in steel communities.

Giarratani also is founding president of the Industry Studies Association, a new multidisciplinary virtual research community that brings together researchers from top universities nationwide who have extensive knowledge of a particular industry and its problems.

Background
Michael J. Madison, Pitt professor of law and associate dean for research, has gained fame for Pittsblog, his blog on all things Pittsburgh.

Considered an expert Pittsburgh commentator, Madison frequently is interviewed about Pittsburgh’s history and present trajectory, including a recent story that aired on the Dutch national TV broadcast channel. He also was part of a CNN piece and an article in The New York Times. This media attention prompted an invitation for Madison to be a keynote speaker next fall at a congress in Amsterdam on the future of world cities. Madison writes and teaches about information law and theory, including intellectual property law, and speaks and writes about information technology and economic development, both at Pittsblog and in his “day” job.

Background

Sabina E. Deitrick is an associate professor in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs and codirector of Urban and Regional Analysis research program at Pitt's University Center for Social and Urban Research. Deitrick teaches courses and conducts research in the areas of economic and community development, urban planning, and regional policy, with an emphasis on regional restructuring, revitalization, and brownfields redevelopment.

Background

Marc Malandro, Pitt associate vice chancellor for technology management and commercialization and director of the University's Office of Technology Management, is the coinventor of more than 30 issued patents and patent applications. The Office of Technology Management works with Pitt faculty, students, and staff on all aspects of the commercialization process, from protecting potentially commercial ideas through the patenting process to soliciting licensing contracts and creation on spinoff companies. Prior to joining Pitt, Malandro cofounded Sagres Discovery and served as the company's vice president of technology and strategic alliances, where he managed company intellectual property and technology licensing and supervised scientific collaborations.

Background

Christopher Briem, a regional economist in Pitt’s University Center for Social and Urban Research, is responsible for economic and demographic forecasting and simulation for the Pittsburgh region. He compiles annual economic forecasts for the Pittsburgh region, analyzes migration trends and local government finances, and studies the impact of demographic changes on the regional economy.

In 2000, Briem founded the Pittsburgh Economic Quarterly, a newsletter that highlights the important economic trends affecting the regional economy and the competitiveness of local industries.