Document Type

Report

Data Frontiers : The Intersection of Emerging Technologies and Maine's Heritage Industries

Authors

Anne Berberger Marino, University of Maine
Shane Moeykens, University of Maine
Pips Veazey, University of Maine
Aaron Weiskittel, University of Maine

Publication Date

8-8-2023

Abstract/ Summary

On June 13, 2023, a diverse group of educators and professionals from across the state of Maine gathered at the University of Maine's Portland Gateway to discuss the field of Al technology and the related areas of data science and informatics. These topics were interwoven with the future of Maine's natural forest resources and the industries that have developed around them. Technology in the digital landscape is ever-changing, and recent developments in artificial intelligence (Al) show potential to benefit industries of all kinds.

With recognition of the historic contributions of these heritage industries also comes awareness of the challenges they face in an uncertain future. Climate change presents a real threat to the world that will cause once-familiar industrial landscapes to shift into new territory. As more people around the globe find themselves in need of different sources of food and forest products, more eyes will turn to the abundant resources in Maine. While this presents significant economic opportunity for the people of Maine, it also represents a potential disruption to the sustainable use of these resources.

Overcoming these challenges will require a robust, well-trained workforce. As will be detailed later in this report, many of Maine's companies are facing difficulties in finding employees with appropriate skills. Attendees at the Portland Gateway meeting highlighted a multitude of obstacles they are facing in recruiting high tech employees, indicating that barriers exist.

Repository Citation

Berberger Marino, Anne; Moeykens, Shane; Veazey, Pips; and Weiskittel, Aaron, "Data Frontiers : The Intersection of Emerging Technologies and Maine's Heritage Industries" (2023). General University of Maine Publications. 3418.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/univ_publications/3418

Version

publisher's version of the published document

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