The once-declining industrial city of Pittsburgh, United States, has signaled a spectacular revival alongside artificial intelligence (AI) instead of molten iron.
President Donald Trump revealed plans to turn Pittsburgh into the new AI capital of the United States by mobilizing 120 trillion won in private investment.
Experts evaluated that this decision would serve as a signal to move the global technological battlefield surrounding AI hegemony from Silicon Valley to the East, going beyond a simple local economic revival strategy.
On the 15th (local time), Trump attended the 'Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit' held at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh, where he stated, "The United States is the hottest country in the world," adding, "You will see some real action here in Pittsburgh, so get ready."
Trump further noted, "China and other countries are competing to catch up with the United States in the field of AI," and added, "We will not sit idly by and let them catch up."
The 120 trillion won investment plan focuses on building AI data centers and supporting power plants. Major technology capital, including the world’s largest private equity fund Blackstone ($25 billion), Google ($25 billion), and Amazon ($20 billion), is investing large sums into data centers, cloud computing, and natural gas power plants to establish essential infrastructure for the AI era.
After the investment, Pittsburgh will transform from merely a data center hub to a key base encompassing the entire U.S. AI industry ecosystem. The plan is to build the physical infrastructure necessary for long-term AI development and research in Pittsburgh.
According to experts cited by the Associated Press (AP), "The Trump administration's unusual move to vigorously push for the AI industry hegemony in a specific region is noteworthy."
Pittsburgh is a rare city with top-level research talent and ample physical resources even in the United States.
Pittsburgh is home to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), a global hub for AI and robotics research. Big tech corporations like Google and Amazon are already securing talent and establishing a research base called AI Avenue here.
AI does not only move with brains. AI data centers consume a vast amount of power, earning the nickname 'electricity-guzzling hippos.' This highlights the second unique characteristic that Pittsburgh possesses.
Pennsylvania is the second-largest energy producer in the United States. It is located in the heart of the largest natural gas reserve, the Marcellus Shale. Geographically, it is positioned to supply power, which corresponds to oil in the age of AI, most efficiently.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized in an AP interview on that day, "To win in the AI revolution, we must mobilize all forms of energy, including coal, natural gas, and nuclear power."
There are analyses suggesting that this decision serves as a multifaceted strategy encompassing both politics and the economy.
Pennsylvania played a pivotal role as a key battleground state in last year's presidential election. It is a region that has delivered victories to Trump in both the 2016 and 2020 elections.
Trump presented a new vision that combines the traditional energy industry with advanced AI technology to Rust Belt voters who have shown trust in his administration.
This decision is also underpinned by a national goal to secure AI technological hegemony. The Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit held that day was led by Republican Senator David McCormick, with Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro in attendance.
The fact that a Republican senator led the event, with a Democratic governor participating, sends a message that there are no divisions between parties on the national task of AI. In fact, the two parties demonstrated bipartisan support at this event.
Experts believe that Pittsburgh has sufficient potential to become the epicenter of the U.S. AI industrial revolution. Just as coal and steel once did, shale gas and AI are hoped to lead the city into the future.
The New York Post cited experts stating, "The industrial revolution in the United States began in Pennsylvania in 1859 when Edwin Drake discovered the first oil well," noting, "In the place where the blast furnace's flames were extinguished, a new heart called AI began to beat hotly."