About innovation policyworks

Innovation is critical to the transformation of the US economy. Study after study shows that innovative companies grow faster, are more profitable, and add more employees than those who are not innovative. States, regions and localities interested in economic development are increasingly turning to innovation and entrepreneurship strategies to revitalize their economies.

Innovation Policyworks helps policymakers and executives responsible for innovation and entrepreneurship programs be sure they are delivering the most effective and cost-effective assistance to companies in their region. Our services include evaluation, strategy development and program management.

Innovation Policyworks’ principal, Dr. Catherine S. Renault has been delivering innovation-based economic development results in rural states for over 20 years. She has been a technology-based economic development practitioner in two states and consulted with eight more, most recently as science advisor and Director of the Office of Innovation for the State of Maine.

In addition, she has been an award-winning researcher with a focus on evaluation of economic development incentives, State Science Technology Institute (SSTI) Board member, frequent lecturer and speaker on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the university’s role in economic development. Her PhD is in public policy analysis with a focus on technology-based economic development, specifically the role of entrepreneurial faculty.