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What Counts, And Who's Counting? Maine's Business Climate 2006, Bureau Of Labor Education. University Of Maine

Bureau of Labor Education

Many news articles and opinion pieces continue to argue that Maine has a highly unfavorable business climate, which must be changed if Maine’s economic well-being is to improve. Such analyses raise many important questions about what policies are most likely to benefit Maine’s economy, both as a whole, and among the various areas, communities, and population segments within Maine. Increasingly, the health of Maine’s economy, and the level of the state’s well-being more broadly, seem to be equated with the issue of whether Maine has a “friendly” business climate. In turn, the question of a favorable or unfavorable business climate …

Center For Technology-Based Business Development, James Ward, Daniel Dwyer, Kathryn Hunt

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

Center for Technology-Based Business Development The University of Maine will create a Center for Technology-Based Business Development to address Maine's shortcomings in the creation of technology-based businesses and net exportation of its science and engineering graduates, as well as university based R&D. Strong, decisive action will be taken to provide opportunities for Maine-based technologies and students to develop companies in Maine. This strategy is consistent with the state's Science and Technology Plan and the state's economic development strategy. The Center will build on the University of Maine's successful industrial activity, and the practical experience of many other research institutions.

The …

Fair Weather Or Foul? Maine's Business Climate Revisted, Bureau Of Labor Education. University Of Maine

Bureau of Labor Education

There is no shortage of analyses of the problems of Maine’s economy, or of proposed solutions. Once again, a number of recent reports have argued that Maine has a highly unfavorable business climate, characterized by excessive taxes and excessive regulation. These reports go on to argue that Maine must improve its business climate through such suggested changes as an overhaul of the tax system, elimination of property taxes on business equipment purchases, reducing the state’s regulatory burden, and reducing Maine’s supposedly high “tax burden.” Although the support for these proposals is framed as being “irrefutable,” in reality many of the …

Maine's Development Dilemma, 2001 Update, Bureau Of Labor Education. University Of Maine

Bureau of Labor Education

In the face of economic challenges that continue to face Maine and other states in a time of globalization and rapid technological change, economic development is widely seen as essential to the well-being of Maine's economy and to an increased quality of life for its citizens. However, the nature of Maine's economy, natural resource base, and geography creates a difficult dilemma for our state. This is the paradox we face: while some form of economic development is clearly imperative, the long-term misallocation of scarce economic resources in pursuit of this goal, though well-intended, may cause further harm to the economy …