Sheffield and Pittsburgh have been Sister Cities since 1980. This week, a delegation from Sheffield will visit Pittsburgh to strengthen their bond, share knowledge, and explore future collaborations.
Both cities share a rich industrial heritage rooted in steel and coal. In recent years, they have diversified their economies into advanced manufacturing, health, and medical technology. They also host major universities with world-leading research capabilities.
Last summer, the Mayor of South Yorkshire and a delegation from the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) visited Pittsburgh to boost investment and create jobs. The AMRC also met with local businesses to explore tech development.
Now, Sheffield City Council Leader, Cllr Tom Hunt, and Chief Executive, Kate Josephs, along with several Sheffield-based businesses, are traveling to Pittsburgh to continue building meaningful relationships and open new opportunities for collaboration.
They will meet with city officials and various organizations and businesses from sectors such as biological and advanced manufacturing, health, medical technology, and robotics.
Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council said “As sister cities, Sheffield and Pittsburgh share a similar industrial past, but we have both seen our economies transform in recent decades.
“We both have big ambitions for our future and I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can learn from one another and achieve together”
Cllr Tom Hunt and Kate Josephs have a busy schedule ahead. During their three-day trip, they will visit and meet with over 16 organizations and around 50 representatives, including government officials, businesses, and academia.
They will be accompanied by representatives from Sheffield-based businesses such as Tickets for Good, Westfield Health, and Reach Studios. During the visit, they will meet with Deputy Mayor of Pittsburgh, Jake Pawlak, and Allegheny County Executive, Sarah Innamorato, to discuss common challenges like housing affordability and environmental issues.
The delegation will also participate in a roundtable with Pittsburgh officials to discuss key issues and share knowledge on topics such as homelessness, city regeneration, sustainability, and resilience.
The trip will explore the priorities outlined in the recently adopted Sheffield Growth Plan, a ten-year strategy aimed at driving economic growth and improving the lives of those in Sheffield. The plan emphasises Sheffield's role as a city that is "Global, Green, and Growing," leveraging its strong economic assets, including world-class universities, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and an innovation ecosystem, to attract global investment and enhance its international reputation.
Collaboration with global partners and support for new businesses with international potential are crucial to achieving these goals. Sheffield is already home to pioneering initiatives like the world's first Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District, the UK's first Investment Zone, and the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.
Given Pittsburgh's strengths in advanced manufacturing, health tech, and life sciences, the delegation will tour facilities such as Carnegie Robotics, Holtec International, Pittsburgh Chilled Water Plant, the Energy Innovation Centre, and Suburban General Hospital to see operations firsthand and build relationships.
Officials will also meet with representatives from Pitt Bioforge, the Senior Vice Chancellor for the Health Sciences, Pittsburgh Life Sciences Alliance, and more. Recognizing the importance of culture, Sheffield representatives will meet with the team from Visit Pittsburgh and visit the Benedum Centre for the Performing Arts, where the award-winning production of "Life of Pi," which debuted in Sheffield in 2019, is currently being performed.
Image credit: iStock
