Sponsored by
Massachusetts
Investing in Innovation
From the Berkshires to Boston, the coast to the countryside, we’ve got what you need to succeed.
“We want Massachusetts to provide the global platform for bringing innovation
from the drawing board to the market, from inspiration to commercialization,
and from ideas to cures. Our rate of innovation in recent years has been triple
the national average, and we have no intention of
letting it slip.”
- Governor Deval Patrick
Collaborative Approach, Accessible Resources
“The pro-business culture makes it easy for a company to expand to Massachusetts.
the Commonwealth’s economic development office has worked with us
in a very effective, transparent and collaborative fashion. We have had
open and full access to the Secretary and the entire team.”
- Geoff MacKay, CEO, Organogenesis, Inc.
Leveraging Educational and R&D Resources
Urban Boston-based City Fresh Foods has enlisted the brainpower of Boston College students
to augment its research and development. That assistance, along with the support of venture
capital, has put the innovative meal delivery provider on a steady growth path. “Boston has been a very good place for small businesses to develop and grow,” says CEO Glynn Lloyd. “We
have great relationshipswith the city and state, in terms of real estate, training and technical assistance.”
Research partnerships at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are accelerating
the development of significant technologies including low-cost solar energy, portable navigation
units and optical materials. A cooperative Ph.D. program between MIT and Woods Hole
Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) allows oceanography students to conduct advanced research
with some of the world’s top scientists.
“Because of Massachusetts’ leadership position in research, great human resources, and long
tradition of innovation in technology, we can attract scientists, engineers and students from
around the world,” says Dr. Jian Lin, senior scientist at WHOI and chair of the international
InterRidge research program.
Life Sciences Investment Levels the Playing Field
The Life Sciences Initiative unveiled by Governor Patrick in 2007 is a 10-year, $1 billion
investment plan designed to create innovation infrastructure for researchers and science-based
businesses. “The legislation is a signal not only to our existing life sciences, medical device
and biotech companies but to companies all around the world that we are committed to
maintaining our preeminent position in the industry,” says Secretary O’Connell.
The initiative was a key factor in the recent decision by Organogenesis to expand its global
headquarters in Canton rather than move out of state. The Massachusetts Office of Business
Development (MOBD) created a $12.9 million incentive package for the company.
“We are a textbook example of what is possible in Massachusetts,” says Organogenesis CEO MacKay. “When evaluating potential locations
for the expansion, it was a priority to
ensure that we could attract and retain top
talent. Massachusetts already has a major
advantage with its innovative life sciences
environment, which closely links hospitals,
academia and biotech. However, operating
costs and the tax landscape also had to be
competitive. The Life Sciences Initiative
leveled the playing field.”
Another example of the state’s willingness
to compete for biotechnology business can be
found in the tax credits and infrastructure
improvements granted to Bristol-Myers Squibb
for its $750 million production facility. The
pharmaceutical giant joins a diverse array of
companies located at Devens, a 4,400-acre
former army base that offers fast, 75-day permitting,
open space, robustmunicipal utilities
and access to a qualified employee pool.
MassDevelopment, the Commonwealth’s
finance and real estate development agency,
is redeveloping and managing Devens.
“The Devens community has become a
national model for base redevelopment,”
says Robert L. Culver, MassDevelopment
president and CEO. “Devens’ guaranteed
one-stop, unified permitting process and
pad-ready development sites give companies
a competitive advantage.”
MassDevelopment also works with businesses,
municipalities and developers, providing
low-cost financing to support projects that
create jobs and housing units. The agency’s
statewide network of lending, investment
banking and community development
specialists works closely with EOHED and
the MOBD to help companies seeking to
locate or grow in the Bay State.
“It’s All Here”
“First-time visitors are surprised at how
much they can find within the state’s borders,”
says Betsy Wall, executive director of
the Massachusetts Office of Travel and
Tourism. “They can land at Logan Airport,
and within an hour or two, they can be in
Martha’s Vineyard or on Nantucket Island. International travelers choose Massachusetts for its shopping and cultural
attractions as well as its history. The Department of Commerce tells
us that the number of visitors from the Far East alone grew by over 50%
between 2004 and 2006. We credit the Red Sox with some of that
interest, since several of their players have a huge following in Japan.”
“The quality of life in Massachusetts gives us the ability to attract
geographically mobile talent—the best and the brightest people, who
could work anywhere,” says VistaPrint’s Keane. “When we recruit senior
executives, their families and spouses are excited about coming here
because of our excellent schools, cultural activities and recreational
options from beaches to skiing.”
“Massachusetts has always been, and continues to be, a great place to live
and do business,” says SusanHouston, executive director for theMassachusetts
Alliance for Economic Development. “We’re fortunate to have great
companies in diverse industry sectors throughout all regions of the state, and
we continue to develop new, proactive partnerships to help them grow.”
James E. Rooney
Executive Director
Massachusetts Convention Center Authority