Fourth Economy is working in North Central Pennsylvania to scale the pressed materials industry (whereby materials like metals and plastics are shaped into new forms using pressure and heat) in the region to become a globally competitive and cutting-edge technology hub.  Investment in this industry’s growth will not only have a lasting impact on the regional economy, but also will contribute to the nation’s economic competitiveness and national security by creating critical materials domestically. As this region and industry is part of the Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program, Fourth Economy will be working with the EDA alongside regional, industry, institutional, government, and other partners to develop a 10 year plan to create a diversified and thriving pressed materials ecosystem.