The High Tech Agenda

As we close our 47th year, we reflect on a year of progress, collaboration, and challenges. The Massachusetts High Technology Council had a strong 2024 in all respects. In an environment where leadership is required, the Council stands out as a leader among other organizations. Looking ahead, our focus remains clear: advancing initiatives that sustain Massachusetts’ leadership in innovation, economic opportunity, and competitiveness, while maintaining a high quality of life for all residents. Through MassVision2050, proactive advocacy, and member engagement, the Council is driving forward-thinking solutions to address the Commonwealth’s most pressing challenges.

With your continued engagement, we are poised to make 2025 a year of meaningful impact, led by several major priorities under our MassVision2050 banner.

2025 Priorities

MassVision2050 Cybersecurity Community 2025 Program

Under the continuing leadership of MKS Instruments, the 2025 MassVision2050 Cybersecurity Community program is designed to empower member organizations with enhanced capabilities to combat evolving cyber threats. These member-only engagements represent a dynamic and collaborative effort to strengthen resilience, share cutting-edge expertise, and influence cybersecurity policy to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

2025 Member-Only Program Components 

1. Tabletop Exercises: Scenario-based activities to refine incident response capabilities. 
2. Semiannual General Sessions: Broader participation events featuring current cybersecurity topics and trends.  
3. Public Policy Engagement: Guiding and shaping public policy proposals to ensure cybersecurity legislation aligns with industry best practices. 
4. Quarterly Small Group Discussions: Case studies and expert-led conversations tackle pressing cybersecurity challenges in a confidential setting during the year, covering the following topics:

• Insider Threats & Corporate Espionage – Cultivate a security-conscious culture and detect behavioral indicators 
• Cloud Security & Third-Party Risk Management – Manage compliance and mitigate risks in cloud ecosystems. 
• Operational Technology in Manufacturing – Explore AI and OT integration while addressing security vulnerabilities. 
• Ransomware Preparedness & Response – Develop prevention and incident response plans for ransomware threats.

Invitations will follow as programs are scheduled, including the following two programs:

• Small Group Discussion: Insider Threats & Corporate Espionage
  Featuring FBI Special Agent/Private Sector Coordinator, William Scott O’Donnell.
  • Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
  • Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM ET
  • Location: MKS Instruments

• Tabletop Exercise: Ransomware Preparedness & Response
  Featuring DHS Cybersecurity Advisor – Massachusetts, Joseph M. Flores.
  • Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Location: The MITRE Corp.

All Council member senior executives are encouraged to participate in the MassVision2050 Cybersecurity Community programs. These gatherings provide a unique platform for confidential, executive-level engagement and hands-on training. By connecting member organizations with peers, federal and non-government experts, and policymakers, the community advances practical strategies and fosters a proactive approach to cybersecurity. 

For more information or to get involved, please contact Sarah Brunelle at sarah@mhtc.org.

NEW: Massachusetts AI Hub

On December 19, the Massachusetts Governor’s Artificial Intelligence Strategic Task Force announced plans to create the Massachusetts AI Hub, marking a significant step toward establishing the Commonwealth as a global leader in artificial intelligence. We are proud to have contributed to the report through the MassVision2050 initiative and are already advancing efforts aligned with the report’s recommendations to position Massachusetts at the forefront of AI innovation. 

Under the MassVision2050 banner, the Council has launched several impactful initiatives that align with the Task Force’s vision:

The Council’s contributions extended beyond research and advocacy. Several Council members, including Vice President Elizabeth Mahoney, served on Task Force working groups, providing direct expertise that informed key elements of the report. 

With $100 million in legislative funding supporting implementation, the Council is poised to help establish the Massachusetts AI Hub and advance strategic initiatives that ensure the state’s sustained competitiveness in AI innovation.

Spotlight on 2025 Engaged Workforce Project: Understanding Talent Attraction Trends and Forecasting Skills Requirements

As part of the MassVision2050 Engaged Workforce program, the Council is partnering with The MITRE Corp. on an ambitious project to explore the dynamics of talent attraction in the face of regional and global competition. This cutting-edge initiative will leverage a robust analytics platform to integrate diverse data sources, providing insights into the key drivers of talent movement and workforce retention within innovation ecosystems. 

Over three development phases, the project will address core questions, such as identifying industry growth hubs, mapping talent flows, and analyzing the role of R&D activities in shaping workforce trends. The initiative will focus on emerging technology areas like quantum science and biotechnology, ensuring the insights are both forward-looking and actionable. 

Anticipated to conclude in mid-2025, the project aims to deliver data-informed strategies for economic development organizations, educators, and employers. By enabling stakeholders to anticipate workforce trends and design adaptive strategies, this initiative advances the Engaged Workforce vision of fostering resilient and competitive talent ecosystems in Massachusetts. Stay tuned for updates as we redefine how talent attraction fuels innovation and economic growth. 

Council members interested in helping shape and evaluate this project as it progresses are welcome to contact Sarah Brunelle.

Op-Ed Highlights Economic & Educational Challenges in Massachusetts

In a Boston Herald Op-Ed, Mass Opportunity Alliance (MOA) Directors John T.C. Lee, CEO of MKS Instruments and Council Board Chair, and Adam Portnoy, CEO of The RMR Group and Council Director, emphasized Massachusetts’ economic pressures—rising costs and a shrinking talent pool—and their impact on voters. MOA polling revealed that over 80% of residents believe taxes are too high, and 76% cite the high cost of living as a key driver of outmigration, underscoring the urgent need for reform to address affordability and legislative transparency. 

Recent polling also spotlighted voter reactions to repealing the MCAS high school graduation requirement. Findings show 75% of voters support a new requirement to uphold educational standards, and 68% favor revising voter-approved laws to boost public education competitiveness. These insights highlight the critical role of standardized testing in equity, readiness, and preserving Massachusetts’ educational excellence. 

By delivering actionable data that resonates with policymakers and the public, MOA remains a vital resource for driving solutions to benefit residents and businesses alike.

Council Launches Priority-Shaping Process for 2025-2032

In a Boston Herald Op-Ed, Mass Opportunity Alliance (MOA) Directors John T.C. Lee, CEO of MKS Instruments and Council Board Chair, and Adam Portnoy, CEO of The RMR Group and Council Director, emphasized Massachusetts’ economic pressures—rising costs and a shrinking talent pool—and their impact on voters. MOA polling revealed that over 80% of residents believe taxes are too high, and 76% cite the high cost of living as a key driver of outmigration, underscoring the urgent need for reform to address affordability and legislative transparency. 

Recent polling also spotlighted voter reactions to repealing the MCAS high school graduation requirement. Findings show 75% of voters support a new requirement to uphold educational standards, and 68% favor revising voter-approved laws to boost public education competitiveness. These insights highlight the critical role of standardized testing in equity, readiness, and preserving Massachusetts’ educational excellence. 

By delivering actionable data that resonates with policymakers and the public, MOA remains a vital resource for driving solutions to benefit residents and businesses alike.

MassVision Foundation: Driving Innovation & Opportunity

The Foundation will also play a key role in advancing the objectives of the Mass Opportunity Alliance, an initiative designed to strengthen our business climate and promote economic opportunity through data-driven research and robust public awareness efforts. By funding qualifying research and outreach activities, the Foundation aims to build broad-based support for policies and programs that expand opportunities for all Massachusetts residents.

Make a Year-End Contribution to the MassVision Foundation

Council members and other stakeholders are encouraged to make tax-deductible contributions in December through the Foundation’s fiscal sponsor, Pioneer Institute. Donations will directly support the Foundation’s mission to advance qualifying research, public awareness campaigns, and strategic investments in the MassVision2050 and Mass Opportunity Alliance workstreams.

WEBINAR | Expanding the Tech Talent Pipeline: Unlocking Untapped Potential

Discover innovative solutions to address workforce challenges and close the skills gap in Massachusetts and beyond. 

Join the Council on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, for a MassVision2050 Engaged Workforce webinar exploring how community college graduates represent a largely untapped yet powerful source of qualified talent for entry-level tech jobs.

Featuring STEMatch Founder and CEO, Chris Zannetos, attendees will learn about the STEMatch COMPETE program—a transformative workforce development initiative that creates new pathways for underserved students to succeed in high-demand tech roles, while delivering a diverse and skilled talent pool to employers.

With testimonials from industry leaders and practical insights on skills-based hiring, this program will provide actionable strategies and valuable insights about how your company can benefit from working with community colleges and non-profit programs like STEMatch to create an inclusive, diverse workforce pipeline that meets your evolving business needs.

Warm Holiday Wishes & Reflections on 2024

As we approach the close of a successful 2024, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made together and express our heartfelt appreciation for your engagement and leadership throughout the year. Your dedication has been instrumental in advancing our shared mission, and the results speak volumes about what we can accomplish when we work together. 

This season of celebration and reflection offers us a chance to pause and appreciate the support and collaboration that define our community. We are deeply grateful for the expertise and commitment you bring to the Council, helping us navigate challenges and seize opportunities to shape a stronger future for Massachusetts. 

As you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and the New Year, we wish you moments of joy with family, inspiration in your faith, and the promise of prosperity in the year ahead. May this holiday season bring peace and renewal, setting the stage for another remarkable year of shared success. 

Thank you for all you do, and we look forward to continuing this important work together in 2025. 

The Massachusetts High Technology Council Team: 
Chris, Elizabeth, Jenny, and Sarah