Our Story
Since the inception of PEI, our mission remains to transform Arizona into a top global market for innovation, fueled by world-class research centers, advanced industries and creative entrepreneurs.
2014
Velocity Report identifies the need for regional transformation.
2016
PEI is founded to accelerate innovation-driven growth.
2016
Pipeline AZ launches to bridge the gap between talent and industry.
2018
WearTech Center opens as PEI’s first Applied Research Center.
2019
Blockchain Applied Research Center launches with global industry Members.
2019
The Connective is established to build the nation’s first Smart Region.
2022
Pipeline AZ, a PEI Workforce platform, becomes it's own non-profit entity.
Economic innovation doesn’t happen accidentally. Following a detailed report in 2014, it became apparent that without intentional investment in growing Arizona’s innovation ecosystem and advancing educational attainment, we were poised to fall behind economies driven by technological discovery.
Partnership for Economic Innovation began as a response to that need. We are a passionate collective of community, education, and business leaders dedicated to accelerating economic opportunities for all Arizonans.
Now, we are at a crossroads: through intentional investment, Arizona’s economy is more diversified than ever – but global challenges from climate and technological change to inequality require us to continue to diversify and deepen specializations in emerging tech and growth sectors.
By combining public and private investment in emerging technology research, championing education and laying more pathways to new economy work, we enable Arizona innovators to bring world-changing ideas to market.
Vision
We envision a thriving Arizona economy that is as diverse and resilient as its residents, and offers pathways for all Arizonans to access work of the future.
Focus Areas
Innovation
Life-changing research needs more paths to commercialization.
Our Applied Research Centers act as industry and talent magnets, helping cultivate innovation ecosystems within Arizona.
Infrastructure
Our sustainable future requires collaboration at scale.
By catalyzing partnerships and pilot projects between cities, industry and university, The Connective is scaling “smart” across the region.
Talent
We believe equity drives competitiveness.
Through our Arizona career development platform Pipeline AZ, we are creating more accessible pathways for the workforce of the future.
Issues We Support
Our People
LEADERSHIP
Partners
