Clusters

Affordability and easy access to the entire Northeast makes Western Massachusetts a popular vacation destination. The region boasts two commercial airports, convention and exhibition centers, the Basketball Hall of Fame, extensive lodging and dining venues and much more.

Clean technology has increased its presence in Western Massachusetts as the industry experiences rapid state-wide growth. Companies, research institutions and regional green energy organizations collectively create and enhance this industry.

More than 70 businesses, support companies, specialized degree programs of UMass, (including the premier polymer science program in the country) and several trade organizations represent this important industry for Western Massachusetts.

Medical Device development and manufacturing is an emerging industry here that is fueled by entrepreneurs starting companies that take advantage of the region’s engineers, researchers, historic strength and precision machining cluster, which provides an excellent location to manufacture device products.

A booming manufacturing industry has been a trademark of the region for longer than 200 years. More than 500 companies and close to 20% of the region’s private sector payroll remains devoted to manufacturing. Sub-industry summaries: Firearms Manufacturing Precision Machining

A fledgling cluster of public and private sector life science and biotechnology entities have found Western Massachusetts appealing for research, development and education, resources, support and incentives for science and medical-based businesses.

Affordable access to reliable bandwidth, low overhead and an educated workforce all aid the region’s more than 125 established software companies to offer their full range of information systems products and services to businesses and consumers worldwide.

Within Western Massachusetts, particularly Hampshire County, more than 1900 virtual companies reside in homes and small offices where this cutting-edge industry provides high-technology services to the global economy via the internet. Collectively, our Hidden Tech sector provides the economic impact of a large IT and creative economy company.

Many of the region’s major employers are hospitals and health care systems. Baystate Health, with more than 10,000 employees, is the state’s second largest hospital system and the western campus of the Tufts University School of Medicine. Cutting-edge research laboratories, an array of specialty treatment centers and the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital make this one of…

The Hartford-Springfield region hosts a high concentration of insurance and financial companies. MassMutual Financial Group is headquartered in Springfield while numerous other insurers and financial service companies are located in Greater Hartford and throughout the Knowledge Corridor.