While the recently released 2017 Manufacturing & Logistics Report Card for the United States gives Rhode Island a D+, it does not tell the total story.
In fact, Polaris MEP and our partners, on the ground with Rhode Island manufacturers, have witnessed a different story, one that is not reflected in the report produced by Ball State University and Conexus.
In Rhode Island, traditional manufacturing companies (including marine and textile) are changing their business models to leverage resources for R&D investment and deliver high-tech products cheaper and faster than sourcing them offshore.
So while the report ranked Rhode Island low in productivity and innovation, here’s a sampling of innovative products coming from Ocean State manufacturers today:
• Carbon composite violins and cellos are being made by the marine industry in Bristol, and are being given high marks.
• A company has developed “smart” screws set to hit the market that will redefine quality and performance for automotive and aircraft applications.
• SpaceX rocket components are being made here and taken into orbit.
• “Smart” textiles developed and manufactured in Pawtucket are protecting our military by sensing human body performance.
• Wind-energy components made here are being shipped all over the world.
• Sensors that have set the standard for the automotive industry are being manufactured here.
We believe innovation is the only way to move manufacturing companies forward. And while Polaris MEP programs support this approach, so too does the state. Thirty-four innovation vouchers, 10 industry cluster grants, four network matching grants and six PTECH programs for youth development all have contributed to more than $9 million of innovation investment in the past two years.
Rhode Island’s manufacturing innovations and capabilities are not possible without a robust network of locally developed support systems, including logistics, supply chain, technology, funding and talent from world-class resources, another fact missed in the report card.
Rhode Island also scored low in logistics and global reach. Yet we have a deep-water port that has unique capabilities and that feeds a commercial logistics channel to the rest of the state. Infrastructure improvement plans are underway all across the state to improve this already robust supply-chain transportation system.
And our partners at the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association and the John H. Chafee Center for International Business continue to push key programs to support improvement in both infrastructure and our global reach.
Polaris is lucky to have an influence on the state’s strong manufacturing activity. Our projects have had up to $91 million of sales impact and affected almost 400 jobs. These projects all present innovative and technical challenges – signs of a healthy ecosystem evolving for the future.
We know from both a quantitative and qualitative perspective that the scorecard is not correct. But don’t take my word for it.
A federal representative recently visited Rhode Island and said to me: “Rhode Island might be the most innovative state in the country for manufacturing growth.” I couldn’t agree with her more. n
Christian Cowan is center director of Polaris MEP.
