Appendix III: Summary of Goals
Maine Innovation Economy Action Plan | 2023-2027
Vision: A resilient, innovation-driven economy that creates opportunities for all Maine people
Goal 1: Increase R&D to 3% of GDP while focusing on activities that directly support Maine industries
- Build on existing strengths and assets
- Expand R&D and commercialization capacity at post-secondary institutions
- Expand R&D tax credits
- Increase and stabilize public funds for R&D investments
- Increase support for companies and institutions pursuing federal grants
- Strengthen partnerships with national labs
Goal 2: Strengthen pathways to successful commercialization
- Increase support for start-ups
- Strengthen R&D and commercialization support for existing companies
- Increase incentives for commercialization at research institutions
- Foster the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators
Goal 3: Prepare an innovation workforce
- Expand student research opportunities
- Increase awareness of science and technology careers
- Help both new and incumbent workers find career pathways
- Embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Expand training on use of emerging technologies and real-time data in manufacturing (Industry 4.0)
- Support extracurricular STEM experiences
Goal 4: Help businesses & communities thrive in the face of climate change
- Expand Maine’s clean energy portfolio
- Increase local food and agricultural resilience
- Support fisheries resilience
- Pursue strategic carbon sequestration opportunities
- Use artificial intelligence to advance climate-smart practices
- Goal 5: Strengthen Maine’s R&D ecosystem
- Develop a schedule for R&D bonding and state appropriations
- Create and market a central repository of information on Maine’s R&D assets
- Increase public understanding of, and trust in, R&D’s role in economic development