Executive Order  No. 644: Establishing the Advisory Commission on Advancing Research and Discovery in Massachusetts

WHEREAS, the research and innovation ecosystem of Massachusetts has long been recognized for its leadership and strength;

WHEREAS, that research ecosystem is an engine that drives our state economy, scientific progress, and discovery around the world;

WHEREAS, Massachusetts received over $3.5 billion in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) last year, making Massachusetts the largest recipient of NIH funding per capita in the United States;

WHEREAS, ideas, publications, technologies, medicines, procedures, patents, and other discoveries made in Massachusetts fuel the research and development economy across Massachusetts and throughout the United States, resulting in significant direct and indirect economic activity in a variety of industries that collectively advance the progress of humanity;

WHEREAS, Massachusetts' nonprofit research institutions, universities, and teaching hospitals employ, train, educate, se1ve, heal and save the lives of hundreds of thousands of people each year, making them essential to our communities, families, and our state;

WHEREAS, ensuring that we protect our world-renowned research and innovation economy is a matter of both importance and urgency;

WHEREAS, our institutions can work collaboratively to develop innovative solutions to enhance and preserve the state's research economy and continue the pace of scientific discovery for the benefit of our state and people around the world;

WHEREAS, a thoughtful, data-driven strategy can advance our research and innovation ecosystem, ensure healthy thriving families, a growing economy, and continue the pace of discovery;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Maura Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution, Part 2, c. 2, § I, Art. I, do hereby order as follows:

Section 1. Advisory Commission on Advancing Research and Discovery.

There is hereby established an Advisory Commission on Advancing Research and Discovery in Massachusetts (the "Commission") to advise the Governor and Lieutenant Governor on advancing research and discovery in Massachusetts.

The commission shall:

(1) Analyze and advance new and creative methods of working together to strengthen the research and innovation sector;

(2) Consider opportunities for new funding structures and recommend pathways to transform the Massachusetts research and innovation ecosystem for the future including medium and long-term proposals;

(3) Evaluate the risk to the Massachusetts economy of federal reductions in research funding;

(4) Collaborate on innovative strategies and develop sustainable models to manage risks and continue the pace of discovery and growth;

(5) Consider new methods and partnerships among industry, nonprofits, philanthropy, and government to enhance the talent pipeline in science and technology, improve employment opportunities, training and career ladders, and enhance economic opportunities in the research and innovation ecosystem statewide, including Massachusetts communities and individuals that are historically underrepresented in research and technology sector and related industries;

(6) Evaluate the pros and cons of various strategies to sustain the Massachusetts research and innovation ecosystem, including financing structures, policies, and incentives; programs and models used in other states and cities; alignment and efficiency of tax incentives; tax exempt bond financing, refinancing and pooled financing; philanthropic partnerships; cost savings and efficiencies; equipment and facilities management approaches; value capture strategies related to intellectual property and other future value of research outputs; pull mechanisms such as prizes, challenges, advance market commitments, hackathons; pay-for-success and private capital investments; public-private partnerships; internships, fellowships, and mentorships; and other opportunities;

(7) Propose any new entity, organization, or program. The commission shall make findings and consider data as needed to accomplish these objectives. The commission may also make preliminary reports or interim findings.

Section 2. Commission membership.

The Commission shall consist of the Director of Federal Funds within the Executive Office of Administration and Finance, or their designee, who shall serve as chair; the State Treasurer and Receiver General, or their designee; the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate, or their designees; the Chairs of the House and Senate Ways and Means Committees, or their designees; the Secretary of Administration and Finance, or their designee; the Secretary of Economic Development, or their designee; the Secretary of Education, or their designee; the Secretary of Health and Human Services, or their designee; the Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, or their designee; the President of the University of Massachusetts, or their designee; the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, or their designee; the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, or their designee; the Executive Director of Mass Ventures, or their designee; the Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, or their designee; and at least seven individuals to be appointed by the governor, who shall have experience in academic research, finance, nonprofit health care leadership, higher education leadership, economics and economic development, philanthropy, and life sciences industry.

All members shall serve in an advisory capacity and without compensation.

Section 3. Report; Preliminary Findings.

The commission shall prepare a written final report summarizing its findings, analysis, and policy options. The final report shall define and quantify the challenges and benefits of each options including short- and long-term policy options that are feasible under varying fiscal conditions.

The commission may prepare a preliminary report or reports with interim findings.

The final report may include recommended legislative or administrative actions and may also outline further areas for study or stakeholder engagement.

Section 4. Effective dates and amendment.

This Executive Order shall take effect upon execution and shall continue in effect until amended, superseded, or revoked by subsequent Executive Order.