NABET, NABET 2016 Conference

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An Examination of Maine’s Economic Trends and Outlook
Gerald Paul Wright, Lee Speronis

Last modified: 2017-03-25

Abstract


This paper will examine employment trends in the Maine economy over the last two decades using data from a variety of public data sources.  During this period, Maine has transitioned from an economy lead by Paper (and paper-related) Manufacturing to an economy lead by the Hospitality and Tourism sector.  This economic shift has paralleled a workforce composition shift as employer’s needs in terms of technical knowledge, skillset, education, and experience has altered.  A shift from a manufacturing to a service economy is not unique to Maine as a number of U.S. states, and even western countries, have experienced similar trends.  However, Maine’s relatively small size affords the opportunity to effectively examine systemic effects.  Several suggestions are offered for future economic growth in Maine.


Keywords


employment, workforce composition, workforce skills, economic trends and outlooks