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by Alan J. Macdonald
Mass High Tech; The Journal of New England Technology
September 7, 2007
If Bay State residents were asked which industry employed more people in Massachusetts, biotech or defense technology, a majority (if not a vast majority) would answer biotechnology. But in reality, the state's defense technology industry employs more than twice as many Massachusetts residents than biotech -- and at the same time is creating the advanced technologies to protect our nation.
The contribution -- both current and potential future -- of the state's defense technology community should not be overlooked. In fact, there are immediate, collaborative steps that must be taken by government, industry and universities to preserve and expand, this world-class cluster.
Reinvigorate the pipeline of engineers: During the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process, the access to a skilled work force was the key selling point used by Sen. Kennedy and Gov. Romney to keep Hanscom Air Force Base and Natick Soldier System open. As Mass High Tech pointed out recently, the pipeline of skilled engineers and scientists is slowing -- and the impact will be felt in defense and other key tech sectors.
This trend will not reverse itself. It will require a coordinated, long-term effort by the entire defense community. In July, the Mass. Defense Technology Initiative and Worcester Polytechnic Institute convened industry and university leaders from across the state for "Defense Workforce Project 2.0," an event to connect the state's colleges and universities with the skill needs of leading defense tech companies. This collaboration between higher education and industry -- combined with a commitment to improving math and science instruction at K-12 level -- was a good start, but more must be done to develop the work force that is critical to the economic competitiveness of the commonwealth.
Maximize economic benefit of Hanscom AFB and Natick Labs: The successful result of BRAC 2005 provides a unique opportunity to grow the mission capabilities and economic impact of the state's two premier defense technology installations.
But historically, bases here have not connected with the surrounding cluster, in part due to a lack of coordinating support from state government. Other regions -- San Antonio; Dayton, Ohio; and Aberdeen, Md. -- are well ahead in developing such collaboration. In recent years, Massachusetts has begun to catch up through efforts such as the newly created Natick Science & Technology Board, a collaboration of Natick Army Labs, regional businesses, government and universities to identify and act on new economic and research-based opportunities. Again, such collaborative efforts must be sustained and expanded.
Support small defense firms: While Massachusetts is fortunate to be a center for large defense employers, smaller firms are critical to future growth and the development of the next generation of military discoveries. But quite often, small firms find working with larger firms and the Defense Department very challenging.
Anticipate the next generation of DOD needs: For centuries, Massachusetts has been at the forefront of new military technologies. But we must remain on the cutting edge of military technology and strategically pursue opportunities being developed within the Pentagon.
For example, the Air Force is drafting plans to consolidate its network and cyberspace units into a central Cyberspace Command. The Bay State -- and Hanscom in particular -- is well positioned to land a Cyberspace center. However, competition is fierce, and the state will only succeed if all stakeholders make it an economic priority.
Past success is no guarantee of future growth. Only by creating a common agenda of government, industry and academia will we continue our great tradition as a leader in generating technologies that protect our troops and secure our nation's freedoms.
Alan J. Macdonald is executive director of the Waltham-based Mass. Defense Technology Initiative, an affiliated organization of the Mass. High Technology Council. He can be reached at al@massdti.com.
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