The Defense Technology Initiative (DTI), born from the region's successful 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) efforts, is currently working to develop a sustainable New England strategy that will both strengthen the region's defense technology cluster and provide specific business opportunities for its members. In recent years it has become apparent that DTI's mission has become more critical than ever.

New England possesses one of the world's most diverse defense technology ecosystems, but changing political, economic and fiscal dynamics are threatening to hinder the region's growth potential and ability to develop the next generation of defense technology. Significant Pentagon force reductions are already underway and rumblings about a new BRAC, likely in 2015, have started to grow louder. And other military states and regions have been working in a more coordinated - and political - fashion to pursue Pentagon and DHS contracts, as well as base expansion.

DTI – EVP Charlie Benway, Col. Weilacher, MG Olson, Chamber Pres. M. Rogers, Lt. General Moore,
CMSgt Steifel, Capt. Porter (photo by Joe Brown photography)

Military Asset Task Force Meets to Support Hanscom Air Force Base

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Mass. High Tech Council Policy Teams:

Cost Competitiveness (Fiscal Policy)
Under the leadership of KPMG, the Cost Competitiveness Team will revise and sustain annual updates to the MHTC State Tax Competitiveness Study (first produced in 2008); analyze data and identify top policy priorities; identify and draft legislative proposals; and execute a policy strategy in accordance with the selected competitivesess priorities. Learn more..

2013 Mass. High Tech Council Business Climate Survey Results

Talent Development(Education Policy)
Under the leadership of Chris Zannetos, CEO of Courion and Al Bunshaft, Managing Director of Dassault Systemes, the Talent Development Team will revise and update the 2007 Education Priorites Plan; analyze education performance and talent development data and identify top policy priorities; identify and draft legislative proposals; and execute a policy strategy in accodance with the selected talent development priorities. Learn more..

Meetings are open to all Council members and are currently scheduled for May 10, September 13 and December 6--all from 9:00 to 11:00 am. To attend, please contact jane@mhtc.org.