This plan presents a vision of science and technology as transformative forces creating opportunity throughout Maine. It highlights five goals necessary to achieve this vision. The full potential of R&D to bring transformative growth to Maine cannot be fully realized unless all five advance simultaneously. They are interconnected and interdependent. For example, funding for research initiatives creates opportunities to train Maine\u2019s future workforce and generates new processes and technologies that drive business activity. In turn, this activity creates opportunities for more workers and catalyzes more investments. A well-functioning framework for R&D coordination galvanizes the entire process and ensures that every investment yields its maximum return. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This document begins by presenting the vision and the five goals. Next, it shows how these goals will be achieved through specific activities in thirteen priority areas. Appendix IV shows how these priority areas support and build on the seven technology sectors that have guided Maine\u2019s R&D investments since 1999. Many of the priority areas combine elements of multiple sectors in new and creative ways. In doing so, they are building on Maine\u2019s historical comparative advantages to create new opportunities across many industries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lasting, equitable growth requires progress across many dimensions of a state\u2019s economy, society, and environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maine businesses, researchers, and educators operate within the broader context of the state\u2019s economic and cultural landscape. Beyond their labs and classrooms, myriad factors influence whether their success translates into tangible benefits for Maine people. Can new hires at growing companies find housing? Can they find daycare for their children? Can products reach customers on time? Is the internet fast enough? <\/p>\n\n\n\n