COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE
Maine’s forest-based economy has long been a pillar of the state’s identity, providing jobs, sustaining communities, and nurturing the environment. However, as global economic and environmental challenges evolve, Maine has an opportunity to position itself as a leader in sustainable forestry innovation.
Building on Maine’s Forest History: Our Forest Opportunity Roadmap
Faced with the challenge of declining markets and multiple papermill closures across the state, a core of collaborators across the sector including industry, communities, government, education, and non-profits came together to establish Forest Opportunity Roadmap / Maine (FOR/Maine — formaine.org). FOR/Maine developed a strategic roadmap for adapting and diversifying Maine’s sustainable forests and products to maintain a leading role in the global forest economy and support economic prosperity in the state. This roadmap focused on identifying emerging markets and opportunities in the forest sector, responsible forest management to protect ecosystem health, supported the development of forest-based technologies to market, and empowered local communities in decision-making processes. Throughout FOR/Maine, the University of Maine has served as a key partner to the state in leadership, resources, and technical expertise.
Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hub
Based on the historic FOR/Maine effort, Maine was designated a Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hub by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). This designation focuses resources and expertise within Maine to accelerate the development and deployment of forest-based biomaterials to manufacture environmentally sustainable products from our forest resource. The University of Maine serves as a key partner in this multi-collaborator effort through technology and worker upskilling in existing manufacturing facilities, developing new advanced manufacturing and product technologies, and strengthening the forest bioproduct entrepreneurship ecosystem to enable new companies to scale. These actions help serve as a catalyst for future economic growth, diversification, and place-based innovation.
The Power of Collaboration
Through the National Science Foundation’s recent Maine-FOREST (crsf.umaine.edu/maine-forest) and Maine-SMART awards, the University of Maine is reshaping how the state approaches economic development, bringing together diverse participants, including educational institutions, industry leaders, non-profits, Tribal communities, state agencies, and federal partners. These collaborations are not just about scientific research but about creating meaningful impacts on local communities, empowering them with the tools and technology to adapt to a changing world. The projects span every corner of the state, from the densely forested North Woods to the bustling coast, ensuring that the benefits of innovation are felt statewide.
Maine is leveraging its rich natural resources, world-class researchers and facilities, and cutting-edge technologies to unlock new economic potential through these projects. By building a robust network that spans universities, businesses, and rural communities, Maine-FOREST and Maine-SMART are positioning the state as a national leader in innovative sustainable forest management and economic resilience.
Transforming Maine’s Future Forest-Based Economy
From these prior, current, and new collaborative efforts, Maine is transforming its traditional forest-based economy into one rooted in advanced technologies, sustainable bioproducts, and rural resilience. These various initiatives, supported or led by the University of Maine and its partners, foster a future where the forest remains central to Maine’s economic growth, environmental stewardship, and cultural heritage.
University of Maine: A Hub of Innovation
The University of Maine is at the heart of these transformative efforts, serving as the hub for forest-based innovation and sustainability research. These include one of the world’s leading research facilities for cellulosic nanofibers, large-scale forest biochemical and fuels production, manufacturing and evaluation on sustainable packaging and advanced wood composite building materials, the world’s largest polymer 3D printer, and the first 3D printed house made entirely of bio-based, recyclable materials. In addition, the university is home to a thriving community of scientists and engineers working on advanced manufacturing, AI, and environmental sustainability, and precision forestry to address challenges today and into the future. With its deep expertise in forestry, bioproducts, and rural development, the University of Maine is uniquely positioned to lead the state’s efforts to transform its forest-based economy.
A Future of Sustainable Growth
Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hub, Maine-FOREST and Maine-SMART represent a bold vision for Maine’s future, one where innovation, sustainability, and economic resilience go hand-in-hand. These initiatives are not just about advancing science—they are about creating real-world impacts that improve the lives of Maine’s people, protect the state’s natural resources, and address global environmental issues. By bringing together diverse partners and leveraging Maine’s unique assets, these efforts are ensuring that the state’s forest-based economy remains a vital source of jobs, innovation, and environmental stewardship for generations to come.
Join us in supporting these transformative efforts and be a part of Maine’s journey toward a more sustainable, prosperous future! Together, we can build an economy that honors Maine’s past while embracing the possibilities of tomorrow.
None of us are as smart as all of us.
