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Governor Healey Announces DRIVE Acceleration Team Members to Advance Research and Discovery in Massachusetts

Boston — Today, Governor Maura Healey announced members of her new DRIVE Acceleration Team to advance research and discovery in Massachusetts. Governor Healey signed an Executive Order on August 1 creating this team as part of her Discovery, Research, Innovation for a Vibrant Economy, DRIVE Initiative, which aims to grow Massachusetts’s world-renowned research and innovation economy and create thousands of new jobs.  

The Acceleration Team is charged with exploring new methods and strategies to strengthen Massachusetts’ research and innovation ecosystem, which employs tens of thousands of people in education, health care, life sciences and advanced manufacturing, while also sustaining jobs in construction, food services, retail, transportation and more. The group will evaluate opportunities to bolster the sector, including proposing funding structures to finance research projects and developing public-private partnerships across industries to improve its resilience.  

“People around the world rely on the cures and scientific advancements that come from Massachusetts researchers,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Not only is our work critical to global health, but it is the economic lifeblood of our economy. The work of this group and my recently filed DRIVE legislation will allow Massachusetts to preserve jobs, strengthen our economy and continue to be a global leader in innovation.” 

“The research and innovation sector is a powerhouse for the Massachusetts economy. By bringing together this group of experts, we will ensure we pull out every stop to grow this critical ecosystem for years to come,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I'm grateful to the DRIVE appointees for dedicating their time to this critical work.”

The group is chaired by Governor Healey’s Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure Quentin Palfrey, and includes leaders from the science research sector, higher education, labor, business groups and philanthropists.  

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