The MassVision2050 Innovation Sectors workstream focuses on the industries and technologies most critical to Massachusetts’ economic future. It is designed to help leaders across the Commonwealth understand where Massachusetts is well-positioned, where risks are emerging, and where action is needed to sustain and expand growth.

As part of the broader MassVision2050 initiative, this workstream brings together business leaders, policymakers, and academic partners to build a shared understanding of sector-specific challenges and opportunities—and to translate that understanding into practical strategies and concrete action.

Through a combination of research, executive engagement, and collaborative working groups, the Innovation Sectors workstream supports:

This work spans a range of critical industries, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, life sciences, health tech, and semiconductors, with attention to cross-cutting factors such as talent, infrastructure, and the broader business environment. 

A core component of the workstream is the development of a consistent fact base through efforts such as the Innovation Sector Fact Packs, as well as additional research initiatives produced in partnership with Council member organizations. These efforts provide a consistent, data-driven foundation to inform strategy, policy, and investment decisions.

Equally important, the Innovation Sectors workstream is designed to move beyond analysis. By convening leaders and launching targeted initiatives, it creates a platform for collaboration, problem-solving, and execution—helping to translate insight into tangible outcomes that support economic growth and innovation leadership in Massachusetts.

In addition to member‑led initiatives, the Council and its members actively contribute expertise and leadership to several state‑led innovation sector efforts, working in partnership with the Governor’s Office and other public entities to strengthen Massachusetts’ competitiveness, including:

The Council and its members are engaged in statewide efforts to fortify Massachusetts’ defense sector and advance emerging defense technologies. These efforts include participation in the Governor’s Defense Industry Task Force, which is charged with developing a new playbook to support economic growth, job creation, talent retention, and technology transition in the defense sector. The Strategic Hub for Innovation, Exchange, and Leadership in Defense (SHIELD), launched under Executive Order 648 in October 2025, serves as a complementary working group focused on operational coordination and project execution. Council President Chris Anderson serves on the Task Force, helping advance industry–informed strategies that support both national security and economic opportunity across the Commonwealth.

In October 2025, Governor Healey announced the formation of a new Competitiveness Council to advise her administration on opportunities to improve the state’s business climate and competitive position. The Council has been actively engaged with the Massachusetts Competitiveness Council, serving on the Tax and Business Climate subcommittee. Through this work, the Council brings the perspective of innovation economy employers to discussions on tax policy, business climate, and economic growth, ensuring that efforts to enhance innovation sectors are paired with broader progress on cost and competitiveness challenges.

Massachusetts is strengthening its leadership in microelectronics and semiconductor technologies through the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC), a regional hub led by MITRE and Analog Devices. The NEMC was designated by the U.S. Department of Defense in 2023 as one of eight national microelectronics hubs established through the CHIPS and Science Act. The Coalition now includes more than 300 organizations working together to advance semiconductor innovation, expand workforce training, and support job growth across the region. The Council continues to amplify the engagement of Massachusetts microelectronics employers and advocate for funding to support NEMC.

The Council and its members have supported broader efforts to position Massachusetts as a national leader in artificial intelligence, contributing research, insights, and recommendations to support public-private collaboration in this rapidly evolving space.