Summer 2026 Issue of MassBenchmarks Journal Examines the Commonwealth's Economic Future
MassBenchmarks is published by the University of Massachusetts Amherst Donahue Institute with contributions from within the University of Massachusetts system and from other public and private research institutions around the state.
The Summer 2026 issue of MassBenchmarks Journal explores the opportunities and challenges that will shape Massachusetts' long-term economic prosperity. While the state's economy has remained resilient through continued GDP growth and strong productivity gains, contributors highlight emerging risks that could affect future growth, including an aging workforce, declining immigration, and uncertainty surrounding federal policy.
This issue also examines the rising cost of achieving and maintaining a middle-class lifestyle in Massachusetts. Housing, childcare, healthcare, and higher education have become increasingly significant expenses for families, with impacts varying across household types and demographic groups.
Other featured articles analyze the importance of federal research funding to the state's innovation economy. Early-stage federal investments have helped drive scientific advancement, entrepreneurship, and job creation across Massachusetts, but recent funding reductions and policy changes pose potential risks to this ecosystem.
The issue concludes with a discussion of productivity growth as a critical factor in sustaining economic expansion. As labor force growth slows, investments in education, workforce training, and strategies to attract and retain skilled workers may play an increasingly important role in supporting the Commonwealth's economic health.
August 20, 2026
