Research & Development Pillar

The goal of the North Star Alliance research and development pillar is to build innovation capacity in Maine's boatbuilding, composites and marine trade companies, using state R&D resources such as the University of Maine's world-leading composites research center and the Maine Technology Institute's funding programs, so that these companies are poised to take advantage of market opportunities and industry trends.

Pillar Goals

Activities within the NSAI R&D Pillar are guided by the following work plan:

1. Establish an Industry Advisory Board for Research and Development
2. Develop a comprehensive, industry-directed plan for composites research and development.
3. Pursue near-term R&D efforts identified in Item 2.
4. Develop strategies to pursue far-term R&D efforts identified in Item 2.
5. Establish training for companies within the region to increase their participation in the Maine Technology Institute and other R&D funding programs.
6. Link companies performing R&D with UMaine to economic development resources.