Governor Maura Healey announced that she is launching the Discovery, Research and Innovation for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE) Initiative to grow Massachusetts’s world-renowned research and innovation economy and create thousands of new jobs. As part of DRIVE, Governor Healey will file legislation proposing $400 million in state funding to retain world-class talent, preserve and create jobs across industries, and support a key foundation of the Massachusetts economy.
“Massachusetts is the global leader in innovative research and the discovery of lifesaving cures,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Research funding is also foundational to the Massachusetts economy – it’s economic infrastructure here. This bill is about creating jobs across industries from construction and food services to health care and education. And in the face of uncertainty from the federal government, this is about protecting one of the things that makes Massachusetts so special – our global leadership in health care and helping families across the world.”
Governor Healey will also sign an Executive Order establishing an Advisory Commission on Advancing Research and Discovery in Massachusetts. This Commission will convene leaders from medical, higher education, and economic development sectors and will be charged with recommending additional solutions to strengthen the research and innovation ecosystem and advance scientific discovery and job creation in Massachusetts.
“Massachusetts is the best place in the world for the life sciences because of our government’s continued support and partnership,” said MLSC President and CEO Kirk Taylor, MD. Today’s announcement is another example of the leadership that is needed now more than ever. DRIVE has the potential to leverage and amplify the very best of our ecosystem to create jobs and provide for patients nationally and globally.”
