Maine’s Technology Sectors and Clusters: Status and Strategy

May 8, 2008

Clusters are an important driver of business growth and economic development in a region. Maine's technology clusters have grown and evolved significantly since 2002, when Maine's first analysis of its technology sectors was published. Since that time, researchers have learned more about clusters, what they are, how to measure them and how to nurture them. And here in Maine, the Brookings Institution report Charting Maine's Future as well as several Legislative and state committees have called for a greater investment in our high-potential technology clusters.

Last year, the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) Board of Directors commissioned an analysis of Maine's technology sectors and clusters to be led by Dr. Charles Colgan, Professor of Public Policy and Management, Center for Business and Economic Research, the University of Southern Maine, and funded in collaboration with Maine's Office of Innovation. The report team combined the in-state expertise of PolicyOne Research, Inc., and Planning Decisions, Inc., with the expertise of Battelle, a global technology organization.

Full Report: http://www.mainetechnology.org/content/277/Cluster_Enhancement_Awards/