Massachusetts Is One Of The Most Innovative States

WalletHub recently reported that each year, the United States spends over $600 billion on research and development. According to their analysis of innovation across the country, that research is coming in handy in the Northeast region. In fact, Massachusetts ranked as one of the most innovative states for 2024.

“The most innovative states are especially attractive to people who have majored in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), as they offer abundant career opportunities and investment dollars, both for jobs at existing companies and for startups," says WalletHub analyst, Cassandra Happe.

To determine which states have earned the title of most innovative for 2024, WalletHub studied human capital and the innovation environment of all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C. Within those two areas, 25 of the most important metrics were analyzed, which resulted in the ability to score and compile an official ranking system.

While this is great news, it gets even better. Only Washington, D.C. finished higher, claiming the #1 spot. So, technically, Massachusetts is the best overall state for innovation.

The Bay State finished with high marks in both human capital and innovation environment, ranking #2 in both areas.

Projected STEM-Job demand, eighth-grade math and science performance, and R and D spending per capita are examples of metrics where Massachusetts thrived. Obviously, having the Massachusetts Institute for Technology and Harvard in the state helped lead to our innovative success.

WalletHub goes on to explain that, "One major contributor is the fact that the state’s tech sector makes up nearly 13% of its total gross state product, one of the highest percentages in the country." Highlighting our impressive math and science scores, this report also highlights how math and science are taught to kids across the state at an early age.

A great resource for this subject here is the Mass Innovation Network, which is based in Burlington. They regularly hold events, networking nights, and competitions.

If you use the Peloton app, the instructors can often feel like your friends. They coach you right in the comfort of your own home. You take their classes at your convenience and get to know their personalities. And many of them have pretty big following. You can see many of the hashtags on the leaderboard when you're taking a class. As it turns out, some of the most popular instructors are our neighbors: three Peloton instructors hail from New England.

Peloton instructors are rock stars in their own right. Once you get to know their styles, users decide whose workouts they want to do, based on their mood. Women's Health recently published a feature that detailed the 14 Best Peloton Instructors For Every Vibe.

One of these instructors just released a book and embarked on a promotional tour. Another is a Peloton swiss army knife, teaching anything from strength, to boot camp, to cardio. She was also the captain of her college basketball team and a school teacher before joining Peloton. Lastly, the third instructor is a former television reporter.

Here are three Peloton instructors from New England.

One of the most well-known instructors, Emma Lovewell, is from Martha's Vineyard. She is currently an Under Armour athlete. And she recently added author to her resume. Named after her signature saying, "Live, Learn, Lovewell," Emma's memoir was released on May 2. She will be making a book tour stop in her Martha's Vineyard hometown area on July 25.

Jess Sims grew up in Peabody, MA. In 2016, Sims left her Masters degree and career in education behind to pursue a career in fitness. She joined Peloton in 2018 as a Tread instructor.

Matty Maggiacomo is originally from Rhode Island. He is also a tread and strength instructor. In fact, in 2017 Maggiacomo was hired to help launch the Peloton tread program. He went to high school in Providence before moving to the New York City area to pursue a career in fitness and entertainment.