The Research and Development Ecosystem: Engine of the Massachusetts Economy
Fueling more than 376,000 jobs, $347 billion in total economic activity and more than $13 billion in state and local taxes.
March 2026
A new study by the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute provides a first-of-its-kind analysis of the commonwealth’s research & development ecosystem, which includes jobs in scientific research and development activities plus the high-tech innovation industries (e.g., life sciences, semiconductors, computer systems, etc.). This sector thrives due to cutting-edge research underway in the state, and fuels more than 376,000 jobs, $347 billion in total economic activity and more than $13 billion in state and local taxes.
