National Robotics Engineering Center Impact Report
Carnegie Mellon University National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC)
Economic Strategy
The National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) at Carnegie Mellon University is a pioneering institution focused on the development of applied technology. Located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh, NREC boasts a strong network of alumni both locally and globally, many of whom are leaders in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).
Fourth Economy was engaged to conduct a non-traditional economic impact study, as the economic impacts of the National Robotics Engineering Center are far from typical.
Our Approach
Fourth Economy partnered with NREC to tell the story of NREC’s economic effects over its 25-year history, articulate a typology for analyzing those impacts cohesively, and consider the lessons learned from NREC’s story to inform the future development of similarly boundary-pushing institutions. We assisted NREC in understanding the impacts of its institutional development through various lenses and at multiple scales.
The Results
NREC’s story is undeniably compelling. What seemed like a significant investment of over $8 million in 1995 has since yielded over $545 million in private sector investment. Moreover, the talent pool developed by NREC and the Robotics Institute more broadly has catalyzed an economic transformation in Pittsburgh, particularly in Lawrenceville and the Strip District, where tech companies have formed a physical cluster around NREC. This is to say nothing of the world-changing technology developed at NREC itself.
However, the impacts of tech sector-driven development in Pittsburgh have not been uniformly positive. As Lawrenceville and the surrounding area gentrified, residents and businesses were displaced due to rising costs. Our report also includes “Lessons Learned” that highlight potential takeaways for future institutional development based on NREC’s experience.
Location
Pittsburgh, PA