Massachusetts unveils SHIELD working group and $47 million package to grow defense innovation

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey on Thursday announced plans to sign an executive order creating a working group called SHIELD (Strategic Hub for Innovation, Exchange, and Leadership in Defense) and outlined $47,000,000 in state investments to accelerate defense-related innovation and economic growth.

"First, I'll be signing an executive order, an executive order to advance the defense sector innovation, and economic growth for our state," Governor Maura Healey said, describing steps for state agencies to review systems and support partnerships.

The executive order, Healey said, will establish SHIELD to coordinate public-private collaboration on matters ranging from workforce development to funding and contracting. Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley told the convening the initiative will be integrated into the administration's business front door to make it easier for firms to find contracts, funding and partnerships in Massachusetts.

As part of the announcement, the administration described a set of targeted investments: a $25,000,000 commitment to support Draper Laboratories' planned Impact Center in Lowell (part of the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor, or LINC); a $3,000,000 state investment in a Natick Soldier Systems Center "BioNexus"…