Catherine S. Renault, Ph.D., is the director of the office of innovation at Maine's Department of Economic and Community Development and is on the board of the Maine Technology Institute. She spoke this week with Business Monday about building the research and development capacity of Maine industries.
Can you talk about the current state of the Maine economy?
Renault: Obviously, it's challenging. But what we see is that the companies we've supported through state-funded research and development programs are doing pretty well. They're poised to move forward as the economy recovers because we've helped them invest in new products and processes, and even new business models.
Can you tell us what MTI is about?
Renault: The Maine Technology Institute is one element of the state of Maine's 10-year-old effort to invest in research and development. Specifically, MTI is designed to build the R&D capacity of industry. Some other monies go to the University of Maine and our nonprofit laboratories. MTI helps Maine companies with competitive award programs that help them develop new products and processes.
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