The method: It’s a three-part strategy that consists of helping Maine companies use innovation to grow and thrive by gathering and connecting their innovation needs and wishes with new innovation offers from across the state; teaching students and business leaders how to successfully leverage innovation using Innovation Engineering tools and principles; and providing coaching in how to accelerate innovation through field experts, such as University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the Small Business Administration’s development centers and Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
Innovation matters: I tell clients and students, “If you’re not meaningfully unique, you better be cheap.” If you want to make more money for your company — or yourself when looking for a job — you must be unique. Innovation is no longer an option; it’s a necessity if we’re going to have University of Maine graduates and Maine residents win in today’s global economy.
