For those wondering where post-pandemic job growth might come from in Rhode Island, there’s encouraging news on two fronts.
On Oct. 23, the state was named as a host for one of 31 technology hubs supported by the Biden administration across the country that will compete for nearly $500 million in federal funding.
This followed news that Gov. Daniel J. McKee has nominated Neil D. Steinberg to lead the board of another planned hub, this one focused on life sciences.
What both hubs have in common is the goal to boost investment and jobs in the Ocean State by focusing on strengths that have plenty of room to grow.
The planned Ocean Tech Hub will look to utilize coastal assets in and around Rhode Island to spur ocean technology innovation as part of the state’s ongoing investment in the broader blue economy. The latter includes ocean research, aquaculture, offshore wind, defense and other industries.
The hub will bring together a host of groups in the region but will be led by R.I. Commerce Corp., which is firmly focused on growing jobs and economic opportunity locally.
Development of the R.I. Life Sciences Hub, which has a $45 million state commitment, will intensify with the capable Mr. Steinberg leading the organizing effort. The former Rhode Island Foundation leader is an experienced convener of community leaders who already has an eager participant in new Lifespan Corp. CEO and President John Fernandez.
It’s also a great sign to see state leaders working to grow jobs in two new hubs instead of one, creating opportunity for more winners to emerge.