Guided by Principle. Committed to Competitiveness.
Massachusetts High Technology Council’s Guiding Principles
The Massachusetts High Technology Council advances policies, initiatives, and leadership engagement that strengthen the Commonwealth’s long-term economic competitiveness and sustain its position as a global leader in innovation, talent, investment, and business growth.
Our Guiding Principles define how we engage, lead, and advocate. They reflect the values and operating philosophy that have shaped the Council’s work for nearly five decades and continue to guide our efforts to strengthen Massachusetts’ economic future.
Our Purpose
The Council works to:
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Advance Massachusetts’ long-term economic competitiveness
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Strengthen leadership in innovation, talent, investment, and business growth
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Engage constructively in a dynamic and evolving public policy environment
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Champion fact-based, solution-oriented approaches to the Commonwealth’s most pressing economic and competitiveness challenges
These commitments shape how the Council works with government leaders, industry partners, research institutions, civic organizations, and other stakeholders across Massachusetts and beyond.
For nearly 50 years, these principles have guided how the Council engages on behalf of Massachusetts’ innovation economy. They continue to provide the foundation for the Council’s work as the Commonwealth competes for talent, investment, business growth, and innovation leadership in an increasingly competitive global economy.
Operating Principles
The Council works cooperatively and constructively with local, state, regional, and federal officials, as well as other organizations, to achieve shared objectives that strengthen Massachusetts’ competitive position.
Our work is built around four core commitments:
Focused Policy Leadership
The Council’s agenda is focused primarily on Massachusetts state and local policy issues. We may also engage in federal policy matters when they have a direct bearing on Council members and the Commonwealth’s innovation economy.
Forthright, Constructive Advocacy
The Council takes clear and principled positions on issues that affect Massachusetts’ competitiveness and economic future while remaining committed to fact-based analysis, constructive engagement, and practical solutions.
Programs That Strengthen Competitiveness
The Council initiates programs and initiatives that help Massachusetts technology, innovation, manufacturing, and research organizations enhance their competitive position and contribute to the Commonwealth’s long-term economic success.
Active Executive Engagement
The CEOs and executive leadership of Council member organizations are personally involved in the Council’s work, helping shape priorities, participating in decisions that govern our programs, supporting Council initiatives, and measuring progress toward shared objectives.
A CEO-Led Leadership Organization
The Council is not a traditional trade association. Our effectiveness is rooted in the active engagement of CEOs and senior executives who bring their experience, expertise, and leadership to the Commonwealth’s most important competitiveness challenges.
Council membership reflects a commitment to active leadership and institutional stewardship of Massachusetts’ long-term competitiveness.
Members are expected to:
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Engage constructively in Council initiatives and discussions
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Contribute their expertise and perspective
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Support shared competitiveness priorities
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Serve as ambassadors for the Council’s mission and competitiveness agenda, where appropriate
This leadership model is central to the Council’s effectiveness, credibility, and long-term impact.
Governance & Leadership
Directors and Executive Committee members affirm these principles and serve as visible leaders of the Council, supporting our mission through both engagement and example.
They:
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Affirm and uphold the Council’s Guiding Principles
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Provide strategic direction and oversight
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Serve as stewards of the Council’s mission, culture, and long-term competitiveness objectives
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Represent the Council publicly, where appropriate
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Lead by example through active participation and engagement
Operating Policies & Procedures
The Council operates through a lean, member-driven model designed to maximize impact and leverage the expertise of our membership.
Lean Staff, Strong Member Support
The Council maintains a small professional staff and draws heavily on the leadership, expertise, and operational support of member organizations and their teams.
Access to Specialized Expertise
To advance our objectives, the Council relies on specialized expertise made available by member organizations, including communications professionals, attorneys, accountants, human resource specialists, and experts in tax, employee benefits, environmental policy, workforce development, and other fields.
Clear Representation on Policy Matters
The Council’s Board Chair and President are authorized to represent the Council on public policy matters consistent with our mission, priorities, and established positions. Major policy positions—including significant legislation, statewide ballot questions, or matters with substantial strategic implications—are reviewed with and authorized by the Executive Committee and, where appropriate, the Board of Directors.
Respect for Individual Member Views
Member organizations and individual employees remain free to advocate views that differ from positions approved by the Council, provided that no Council endorsement is stated or implied.
At the same time, the Council’s effectiveness depends upon maintaining a strong, credible, and collective voice on issues central to Massachusetts’ competitiveness and economic future.
Download the official Guiding Principles to learn more.