Talent, Innovation, and Economic Growth: The Role of Immigration in Philadelphia Recap
Talent, Innovation, and Economic Growth convened business, institutional, and civic leaders to confront one of Philadelphia’s most pressing competitiveness challenges: attracting and retaining talent in a global economy.
Grounded in data and real world experience, the conversation reframed immigration not as a side issue, but as a core economic input shaping workforce stability, innovation capacity, and long term regional growth.
Talent, Innovation, and Economic Growth: The Role of Immigration in Philadelphia
On January 27, the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia convened civic, business, and institutional leaders at Industrious in Center City for a research driven discussion on one of the most critical drivers of Philadelphia’s regional competitiveness: immigration as economic infrastructure.
Hosted in partnership with FWD.us, the convening positioned immigration squarely within the context of civic leadership in Philadelphia, workforce development, and economic opportunity. Leaders from healthcare systems, universities, hospitality, nonprofit research organizations, and the private sector came together to examine how global talent shapes local labor markets, strengthens innovation ecosystems, and supports long term regional growth.
The conversation reinforced a central insight the Economy League has advanced for decades: immigration is not a peripheral issue. It is a core input to workforce stability, business growth, and equitable economic development. Participants explored how immigration intersects with employer demand, talent pipelines, entrepreneurship, and the ability of Philadelphia’s institutions to compete nationally for people, capital, and ideas.
Grounded in data and real world experience, the convening elevated the role of nonprofit research and cross sector collaboration in shaping effective economic strategy. Speakers highlighted how immigrants contribute across skill levels, launch local businesses at higher rates, and play an outsized role in addressing the region’s aging workforce. The discussion emphasized the importance of aligning public policy, employer practices, and community based systems to reduce barriers to participation and strengthen regional outcomes.
The impact of the conversation extended beyond the room. A February 2, 2026 article in The Philadelphia Inquirer cited Economy League research showing that while foreign born residents represent roughly 16 percent of Philadelphia’s population, they have driven one third of labor force growth since 2010 and now account for approximately 20 percent of the workforce. The article also underscored the League’s long standing leadership in reframing immigration as an economic imperative tied directly to workforce development, entrepreneurship, and tax base sustainability.
The convening served as a practical example of the Economy League’s role as a regional convener and analytical voice, translating data into action and aligning stakeholders around shared priorities. By bringing together leaders from healthcare, research, hospitality, and economic development, the event strengthened connections across systems that influence local supplier ecosystems, employer access to talent, and inclusive growth.
We extend our sincere thanks to FWD.us for their partnership, to our guest speakers for their insight and leadership, and to the many stakeholders and attendees who contributed to a thoughtful and solutions oriented dialogue. Your participation reinforces the importance of civic engagement and evidence based decision making in shaping Philadelphia’s economic future.
As the Economy League continues its work, this convening reflects a broader commitment to advancing civic leadership, strengthening Philadelphia’s workforce development ecosystem, supporting local and diverse businesses, and producing the nonprofit research needed to guide smart regional strategy. This is how we ensure Greater Philadelphia remains competitive, inclusive, and positioned for long term growth.