R.I. receives $1.57 million federal grant to help boost, diversify state’s economy

MARCEL VALOIS is director of Commerce RI, which received $1.57 million in federal funds for its STEAMengine project to boost the state's economy. / PBN FILE PHOTO
MARCEL VALOIS is director of Commerce RI, which received $1.57 million in federal funds for its STEAMengine project to boost the state's economy. / PBN FILE PHOTO

PROVIDENCE – STEAMengine, a program being developed by the R.I. Commerce Corporation, has won a $1.57 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to help boost the state’s economy and help it diversify.
The grant, provided through DOD’s Office of Economic Adjustment, must be matched by state funding, so Commerce RI is providing the match with $178,000 in in-kind services and support, said Marcel Valois, Commerce RI’s executive director.
With a budget of more than $1.7 million, Commerce RI hopes to prototype its “STEAMengine” concept of what could ultimately become a physical center for all types of manufacturers, with defense manufacturers to start, Valois said.
At this stage, the funding, awarded this week, will not go toward facilities or equipment, but entirely for professional services, he said.
The state agency intends to provide direct design assistance to about 20 manufacturers it selects “so we can duplicate this, document it and scale it to a higher level,” Valois said, potentially beyond Rhode Island borders.
The strategy, according to Valois, is to identify new opportunities for diversification and product development within the sector using a seven-point plan. The state agency will start with data analysis, develop a network of partners, and create a method of assessment that will help defense manufacturers use “design thinking” to develop new product lines within its markets.
“The intent is to open up this to a partnership of trade associations, universities and colleges that can provide direct services to manufacturers,” said Valois. “I don’t want to limit it. The question becomes how can we tie this network of competent providers and afford small manufacturing solutions to [help] diversify their product base.”
Ultimately, the federal government may award more funding in multiple years, as it has in Illinois, Ohio and other states, Valois said, but the program needs to become self-sustaining eventually by charging manufacturers for its services, which may include shared space and equipment through existing labs in the state.
Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said in a statement, “Once again, congratulations to our Congressional delegation for bringing key funding to our state. Through this grant, Commerce RI will continue its ongoing effort to execute a strategy to promote and encourage high-tech research, design and manufacturing in Rhode Island.”
“STEAMengine” is a reference to Rhode Island’s manufacturing history and the state’s future in STEAM education and companies. STEAM refers to the opportunity for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics fields to reshape businesses and be an engine for economic growth.
“As Commerce RI works to finalize this project, this new federal grant will help it better serve some of the unique circumstances and needs associated with Rhode Island’s defense manufacturing and supply base,” a press release stated.

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