Gov. Deval Patrick announced in a press conference Wednesday that as part of an attempt to expand the growth of the Bay State, particularly in the realms of industries such as technology, life sciences and clean energy, Massachusetts would be starting an international initiative with several foreign countries.
The initiative, known as the “Massachusetts Innovation Economy Partnership Mission 2011,” will connect Massachusetts with Israel and the United Kingdom in an attempt to create jobs, expand business and collaborate in different industries.
“Massachusetts is an unparalleled leader in the global economy and a trailblazer for the nation,” Patrick said. “To continue to compete on an international level and create new jobs here at home we must look outward to new markets, and position Massachusetts as the North American destination for business growth.”
The mission begins for Massachusetts officials on March 7, when the delegation from the Commonwealth arrives in Israel for the first leg of the trip. The trip will last 10 days, with the delegation leaving the U.K. on March 17.
The delegation will include officials from the Massachusetts Competitive Partnerships, companies in the fields of life sciences, technology and clean energy as well as government officials.
“Both Israel and the United Kingdom represent markets with great strength in the innovation economy and significant points of intersection with Massachusetts,” said Michael Greenly, a past chairman of the New England Venture Capital Association in the press release. “The mission will lay the foundation for collaboration and long-term business growth opportunities through the Commonwealth.”
Both Israel and the U.K. already have a significant presence in Massachusetts.
According to the press release, hundreds of companies in Massachusetts have ties to both countries, and billions of dollars of goods are exported to and imported from both.
The two partnering countries, like Massachusetts, also have major sectors in technology, life sciences and clean energy.
“This mission represents a unique opportunity to increase jobs, investment and growth for the Massachusetts economy,” said Diane Hessan, CEO of Communispace in the press release. “We have so much in common with Israel: an innovation and entrepreneurial culture–and strength in technology, alternative energy and biotech. By bringing a variety of stakeholders together, we expect to create partnerships that can benefit us for a long time to come.”
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