Welcome to the Innovation Valley site. This site, currently in Beta release, is a portal for innovative economic development in the Merrimack Valley. Here you will find news and forums germane to the mission. Please join one of the groups in our Regional Innovation Network below to begin contributing.  Thank you!

Haverhill’s Golden Opportunity to Boost Relevance in Global Economy
By John Michitson

Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts visited Haverhill in April to announce that the City is the first of 16 regional "growth districts" designed to be magnets for new business development. The "regional growth districts" are key to the Governor’s long-term economic development strategy for the State. The districts are targeted for older mill towns and cities near highways or other transportation. The state will help the city or town clear land, secure needed permits and improve infrastructure in the hopes of luring businesses. Read more.

Green Jobs for Lawrence: Keys to the Future
By Seth J. Itzkan

At the recent economic development conference hosted at the NECC Haverhill campus, I was asked a most compelling question: "If you had a million dollars to spend in Lawrence, how would you spend it?". I promised the inquisitor that by the end of the meeting I'd have an answer, and I did. Read more.