On June 13, Maine voters will be asked if they favor a $50 million bond to invest in research, development and commercialization in Maine. The funding that would be provided under Question 1 is crucial to securing the good-paying jobs of tomorrow in fast-growing fields, such as biotechnology, marine biology and medical research. Maine has been hit hard by plant closures, particularly in the paper industry, with many rural areas facing declining populations and uncertain economic futures. The cultivation of these cutting-edge opportunities is vital not only to addressing the state’s well-being in this time of economic transition but for keeping more young people in Maine as well.
Why does investing in research and development matter? The Maine Development Foundation cites the state’s low level of R&D investment as a “red flag” issue in its 2017 Measures of Growth report, as Maine seriously lags behind the U.S. and New England in this important economic benchmark. The foundation also notes that Maine ranked next to the last among the 50 states and District of Columbia in terms of economic output per worker based on 2015 data. Given that research and innovation are the lifeblood of economic growth, increased investment in R&D is needed if Maine is to increase productivity and economic output and achieve the higher wages associated with the science and technology fields.
If approved, bond funding will focus on finding new treatments for cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and other deadly diseases. The program is designed for maximum “bang for the buck” through a competitive process to be overseen by the Maine Technology Institute. Every dollar in state funds received by a Maine business or organization must be matched by at least a dollar of private funding. This combined capital investment into our R&D infrastructure will generate new, good-paying jobs in scientific research. And for every job created in the field of R&D, another 3.4 jobs are created indirectly as the funds ripple through the state’s economy.
Here in Ellsworth, we have seen firsthand the difference and impact research investments can make. The Jackson Laboratory, a world renowned biomedical research institution based in Bar Harbor, now employs more than 1,400 people in Maine, drawing employees from a multi-county area, including nearly 300 Ellsworth residents. Jackson Lab is redeveloping the former Lowes building in Ellsworth, constructing a state-of-the-art mouse production facility that will export laboratory mice to research facilities all over the world. Jackson Lab is investing more than $70 million in the first phase of the project, which at full buildout will create more than 200 jobs in Ellsworth. Future phases of development, however, are subject to securing the necessary funding through public-private partnerships as envisioned under Question 1.
Ellsworth, like many Maine communities, is looking to diversify its economy and position itself for the jobs of the future. Under the leadership of the Ellsworth Business Development Corporation, the community with financial support from Maine Technology Institute has established the Union River Center for Innovation to help incubate small technology and innovation businesses and take advantage of spin-off opportunities from Jackson Lab, Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, and other players in the science and technology sectors. The right support at the right time is key to growing our next generation of innovators, and predictable funding is key to building public-private partnerships
Question 1 represents another important step forward in Maine’s commitment to improving its economic climate and competitiveness in the global marketplace. Our state cannot afford to pass on investments in innovation and commercialization that play such a strong role in economic development. We strongly encourage a “yes” vote on Question 1, which is a vote for Maine’s economic future.
John Phillips is chair of the Ellsworth City Council. David Cole is the city manager of Ellsworth.