Forging the Future Reunites Global Leaders in Pittsburgh

We continue to navigate a period of remarkable complexity, defined by multiple crises, rapid technological transformation, and evolving geopolitical dynamics. Yet, this is also a time of extraordinary opportunities.

These possibilities were evident during Forging the Future: The Intersection of Health, AI and Tech, held earlier this month in Pittsburgh. The event brought together over 300 participants from 20 countries to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the health sector — from accelerating drug discovery and enabling new treatments to reshaping regional economies.

The event, hosted by the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, marked the first joint edition of the Global Innovation Summit and the Council on Competitiveness’ Conversations Across America and reunited prestigious guests. Among the esteemed speakers were Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro and U.S. Senators Dave McCormick and John Fetterman.

Participants had the opportunity to learn first-hand on a series of issues impacting competitiveness, including health-tech trends, strategies to advance place-making innovation and the pathway to build sustainable advanced manufacturing.

The University of Pittsburgh is home to the largest university-related health system in the United States, with large-scale operations and deep community engagement capacity. Beyond this, Pitt has become the birthplace of groundbreaking health tech innovations, many of which were developed in partnership with CMU.

During the gathering, the GFCC launched the 2025 Call to Action – Advancing Competitiveness in a Turbulent and Fast-Changing World. This strategic framework outlines ten competitiveness priorities for stakeholders across sectors to enhance productivity, foster growth, and raise living standards.

It also presented the Global Competitiveness Awards to four distinguished leaders, recognizing their exceptional contributions to advancing competitiveness and innovation within their communities, regions, and nations.

Learn more about the Global Innovation Summit.