On Friday August 23rd, Boston Global Forum Chairman Michael Dukakis joined the EY Better Innovation Podcast to reflect on his distinguished career and his enduring commitment to innovation. Better Innovation, now in its 7th season, is hosted by Jeffrey Saviano, Boston Global Forum Executive Board member and AIWS Ethics Leader.
During the interview, Governor Dukakis shared his vision behind the Massachusetts Miracle, a transformative period in the 1980s that positioned Massachusetts as a thriving hub for technology and economic growth. Under his leadership, Massachusetts emerged from economic challenges to become a powerhouse in the computer, defense, and biotechnology industries. His administration’s forward-thinking policies fostered an environment where high-tech companies could flourish, creating jobs and setting a model of success for other states to follow.
Governor Dukakis also highlighted his unwavering advocacy for public transportation, which led to the expansion of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). His efforts included the development of new subway lines and significant improvements to existing services, greatly enhancing public transit in the Boston area. Despite the fiscal challenges posed by Proposition 2 ½, which severely limited state revenue, his administration achieved numerous successes in maintaining and improving essential public services.
With the U.S. presidential election just 73 days away, Governor Dukakis reflected on his 1988 presidential campaign, offering insightful advice to Vice President Harris, drawing from his own experiences – from one presidential candidate to another!
The podcast concluded with a discussion about Governor Dukakis’s ongoing contributions to public policy as a professor at Northeastern University and as Chair of the Boston Global Forum, where he continues to influence the discourse on key global issues.
This episode was a remarkable opportunity to glean valuable lessons from the Governor’s exemplary public service career. A special thank you to Jeffrey Saviano for hosting such an engaging conversation with Governor Dukakis.
