Mansfield's Role in the Innovation Economy

By Matt Donnelly

Candidate, Mansfield Board of Selectmen

From cows to shipping to the life sciences in 100 years.

That’s the story behind the brand-new Mansfield BIO-Incubator, which just opened for business around the corner from the site of the old Chocolate Factory. In fact, the site where it now stands was once pasture land for the cows that supplied milk for the chocolates. Later it was the home for shipping and logistics companies that took advantage of Mansfield’s prime location at the intersection of routes 95 and 495. And today it hopes to lure more life sciences startups to Mansfield. The converted warehouse space already has a handful of tenants, with the hope of more in the near future.

I had the privilege of being able to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Mansfield BIO-Incubator this morning and hear from scientists, politicians, and business leaders about the role Mansfield can play in the growth of the life sciences industry in Massachusetts. It’s exciting to think of the cures that will be discovered just down the road. And it’s great to hear that smart people no longer need to build their life sciences businesses in Kendall Square, Cambridge. (Just imagine...no more 2-hour commutes!)

I also was struck that many local colleges, and even The Sage School (K-8) in Foxboro, are going all in on the life sciences and fostering a spirit of innovation in general. A life sciences community is growing up in our own backyard.

Where does this leave Mansfield? In a good place, with lots of exciting opportunities. The Incubator promises more high-paying jobs, internships, and inventions.

I asked Judy Isaacson, the Incubator’s Chief Marketing Officer, what local politicians like the Board of Selectmen could do to help attract more tenants. Without hesitation, she said, “Help us get the word out.”

But how do we do it? Here are some ideas that can keep the fires of innovation burning bright:

First, I propose we design and open a makerspace in downtown Mansfield for our young people. (Think engineering, 3D printing, IT, and more.) It could even be sponsored by the BIO-Incubator as a way to attract bright, young minds right here in town who can become the next generation of entrepreneurs in the life sciences and information technology. The space would be used to foster that spirit of innovation that our kids need to both create and fill the jobs of the 21st century.

I will also work with local politicians (including our new Town Manager), Medtronic, and others to leverage best practices from the BIO-Incubator and other innovation incubators to attract more medical device companies and others to the Cabot Business Park. This growth, combined with our new life sciences incubator for startups, can help create critical mass for the life sciences and biotech in general right here in Mansfield.

These are practical, actionable ideas -- not hopes and prayers. They just take a coalition of the willing, led by bold leaders.

Why is this all relevant to you, the voter?

Simply put, the upcoming town election isn’t about picking a Republican or a Democrat. Party affiliation, frankly, is beside the point because developing a local innovation economy is very much a bipartisan issue in the state. As it should be.

This election is about electing a new Selectman who will partner with the leaders of the emerging innovation economy to help revitalize and modernize our town. That brings more tax revenue, keeping property taxes low, while giving our kids and grandkids a reason to stay in the area and raise their own families here.

More than ever, you have a real choice this election season to make positive change in Mansfield.

And what does that positive change look like? For starters, it’s about bringing exciting new businesses downtown, delivering a makerspace for our kids, and enabling high-paying jobs in the industries of the future.

If you agree with this vision for Mansfield, I humbly ask for your vote on November 14.