Massachusetts and Metro Boston are high-ranking centers for technology, a consequence of   investments in research and development, the initiative of innovative thinkers, the availability of venture capital and the presence of skilled science and technology workers. The steep housing costs and cost of living in Metro Boston threaten the loss of these highly qualified science and technology workers. Meanwhile, the state and Metro Boston lag heavily in investment in entry-level and future workers at the other end of the workforce spectrum. Sustaining the competitive edge in technology will depend in large part on how well the region is able to retain, grow, strengthen and sustain its human capital, as well as provide more equitable access to technology training and resources.

OVERVIEW

In 2001, the United Nations’ Human Development report ranked Metro Boston behind only Silicon Valley out of 46 locations identified as major world hubs for technology innovation. This ranking was based on: