Joseph Hartman: The next big thing for Massachusetts isn’t technology — it’s the people behind it (Viewpoint)
Publish Date: 2026-02-08 11:14:00
Source Domain: www.masslive.com
When people talk about the “next big thing” in Massachusetts, they usually point to technologies — artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, quantum systems, or the next biotech breakthrough.
But the real next big thing isn’t a single technology.
It’s the people prepared to power all of them.
Massachusetts has long been defined by the strength of its universities and the industries that grow around them. From life sciences to engineering to health care innovation, our economy depends on people who can translate discovery into practical impact. While economic cycles shift — as we are seeing today in parts of the biotechnology and information technology sectors — the long-term demand for highly skilled technical talent has not diminished.
If anything, it has become more urgent.
The challenge is not simply producing more graduates. It is preparing a workforce that is adaptable, industry-ready and capable of leading in rapidly evolving sectors.
Western New England University Prof. Hanieh Shabanian, Ph.D., will lead a team to develop a multi-sensor AI model for real-time defect detection and process optimization in metal additive manufacturing. Shabanian is an assistant professor of computer science and information technology. (Matthew Modoono photo / Northeastern University)The Republican
That requires a broader view of the talent pipeline — one that connects technical expertise with the human skills that allow innovation to translate into real-world impact.
It is not enough to spark student interest in science or engineering. We need a coordinated system that supports access, hands-on readiness and leadership development at every stage of a career.
Community colleges play a vital role in expanding entry points and widening opportunity. Universities extend that pathway by providing advanced facilities, upper-division specialization and graduate education and research tied directly to emerging industries. When these institutions function as a…
