STEAM ENGINE USA
Polaris Rhode Island MEP
Economic Resilience
Polaris MEP, a division of the URI Research Foundation and funded by NIST, works with Rhode Island manufacturers for sustainable growth, innovative technology strategies, and cost-efficient operations.
Rhode Island’s economy was slow to recover from the Great Recession and sought a new economic development approach.
The state contracted with Fourth Economy Consulting for the Economic Intersections of Rhode Island strategy. We noted Rhode Island’s opportunity to leverage its design community to support small-scale manufacturers. This vision led to STEAM ENGINE USA, powering the next generation of manufacturing.
Our Approach
Our team, with MYRANDA Group and DESIGNxRI, developed and funded a pilot program for defense industry suppliers. Integrating designers’ perspectives with educational institutions’ research and training, STEAM ENGINE optimizes product development and manufacturing. Addressing workforce development, manufacturing materials and processes, and product function, value, and appearance, STEAM ENGINE covers all business innovation aspects. Our team served as Project Manager, employing over 30 individuals and organizations to execute the pilot.
The Results
Our work led to the initial design of the Manufacturing Innovation Challenge, a successful business assessment model. Interim 2018 results showed the initiative’s impact. While most companies were in early implementation phases, those reporting noted $15M in increased revenue, $2.5M retained, $30K in follow-on investments, and 56 jobs created plus 5 retained. These impacts resulted from a $783k federal and state investment. As of 2023, this work is part of 401TechBridge, with programs and a space for manufacturers. The core STEAM ENGINE philosophy remains.
Location
Providence, RI