Unlike some other markets around the country, the economy of Pittsburgh is part of a regional ecosystem with multiple centers of gravity and economic activity.

What does it mean to be a “regional economy?”

It means collaboration and cooperation among counties, municipalities, the commonwealth, economic development organizations, foundations and job creating businesses — recognizing that different parts of the region have different attributes, appealing to different types and sizes of companies and that growth in any part of the region can spark growth in the surrounding communities.

“Partnerships make big deals — the ones that benefit the entire region — possible,” said Donald F. Smith, Jr., president of the Regional Industrial Development Corporation.

Read more at the Pittsburgh Business Times.