Q&A: Deval Patrick on innovation and growth
Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, who completed two terms in office in January, has spent part of his time since then as the inaugural visiting innovation fellow at MIT’s Innovation Initiative. Since leaving office, Patrick announced that he has joined Bain Capital to start a new business focused on delivering attractive financial returns by investing in projects with significant, positive social impact. MIT News sat down with Patrick last week, on his final day at the Institute, for a conversation about technology, policy, and more. Q. What has your experience been at MIT this semester? A. I’ve had a wonderful time here. I had some wonderful interaction with students and faculty. President [L. Rafael] Reif is, I think, just an inspirational leader. The openness of people, whether faculty, students, the business community, or others, is a really powerful thing, and has driven a lot of good, not just here in Kendall...