President’s Bulletin

Dear Massachusetts High Technology Council Members,

For nearly fifty years, the Massachusetts High Technology Council has brought together CEOs and senior executives who share a common goal: ensuring that Massachusetts remains one of the world’s leading centers of innovation, investment, and economic opportunity.

The Council was founded by business leaders who recognized that the long-term strength of the Commonwealth’s innovation economy depends on thoughtful engagement by the companies and institutions that help power it.

That principle continues to guide the Council’s work today.

Through their participation in the Council, members collaborate with peers across industry, finance, academia, and government to address the issues that shape Massachusetts’ economic future, including talent and workforce development, innovation sector growth, and the competitiveness of the state’s business climate. A sample of this leadership engagement can be viewed here.

The Council’s work is grounded in a set of long-standing operating principles. Among them is the belief that when issues arise that affect the Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness, the Council should engage constructively and, when appropriate, take clear and thoughtful positions consistent with its mission.

Equally important, the Council respects the independence of its members. Participation in the Council does not require uniform agreement on every policy issue. Member companies and their leaders remain free to advocate their own views while contributing to the Council’s shared mission.

This combination — collaboration around shared economic priorities and independence of perspective — has been a defining strength of the Council since its founding.

As part of this work, the Council continues to advance long-term initiatives such as MassVision2050, a collaborative effort to ensure that Massachusetts remains a global leader in innovation, talent development, and economic opportunity for decades to come.

Many of you are aware that recent public policy discussions have generated increased advocacy around issues affecting the state’s business climate and affordability. We respect the right of organizations and individuals to express their perspectives on these matters.

At the same time, the Council’s role remains consistent with the principles that have guided it for decades: to bring business leaders together to engage constructively in a non-partisan way on issues affecting the Commonwealth’s long-term economic competitiveness.

Massachusetts has built its global leadership in innovation through sustained collaboration across sectors. Continued engagement by the Commonwealth’s business leaders remains an important part of that tradition.

We will share additional updates and information with members in the coming weeks as our officers, executive committee, and directors discuss strategic next steps. In the meantime, I welcome the opportunity to speak with any member who would like to discuss these issues further and encourage you to contact me directly at any time.

Best,
Chris