Since World War II, the federal government has seen basic science research as an appropriate mission and has provided the funds for its university partners to conduct such research. This has enabled business and industry in the private sector to focus on opportunities in applied research which involves developing the findings in basic research to produce products for the marketplace. This three-way partnership between government, research universities, and industry has been powerful and effective. However, during the fifty-year period since World War II, Maine has woefully fallen behind. Maine currently grossly under invests in public university-based research and development and thereby undermines its ability to use our strengths in science and engineering, to act as a magnet to attract additional research personnel, to expand or update our research facilities, equipment needs, to improve our ability to attract the matching funds which are a prerequisite of many of the federal programs, or to turn significant findings over to Maine's private sector where jobs and a boost to Maine's economy would occur.
Maine is at or near the bottom in comparison to other states.
Maine ranks fiftieth in both research and development expenditures and the number of graduate, science, and engineering students in doctoral institutions. In an effort to support this bill as it makes its way through the Legislature, the University System in conjunction with its campuses has indicated the areas of interest, and I think that you are aware that those relate to biotechnology and marine science and areas that relate to Maine's economy specifically. In addition, an action team comprised of Trustee Jim Mullen, Chancellor MacTaggart, John Lisnik, and others will be coordinating an effort that will support the successful passage of this bill. Because the Legislature is scheduled to adjourn early in the Spring, we are talking about a relative short time frame. So, if you are called upon to assist this action team please make it a top priority.