4.1 Retaining the Region’s Competitive Edge in Education

In an economy that is driven by information and knowledge, education is crucial to not only personal growth and fulfillment, but to economic advancement and well being. Its concentration of colleges and universities and high levels of educational attainment have made Metro Boston one of the most important centers for innovation in the world. However, retaining Boston’s competitive edge requires a flow of skilled young people who can turn new ideas into cutting-edge projects and companies. The region’s 74 colleges, universities and research institutions form the backbone of an infrastructure of innovation that drives the Massachusetts economy. Some of the world’s most talented people come to study and work in the Boston area’s universities and hospitals and choose to stay in the region. As a result, these institutions have a direct economic impact, contributing billions annually to the regional economy. But education—for students in Boston and beyond—begins, now, even before kindergarten extends through high school and college. Securing the investments that have been made in K-12 education since the 1993 Education Reform Act—and investing in public higher education for those not able to afford private universities or colleges—will be critical to Boston’s future competitive advantage.