The future for New Zealand science or science for New Zealand's future?

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MoRST chief executive Dr Helen Anderson delivered a speech: The future for New Zealand science or science for New Zealand's future? to the Australasian Research Management Society conference in Christchurch, 17 September, 2009.

Link to full speech notes above, and link to presentation available here.

Abstract

The changing world economic conditions have placed pressure on all economies to re-examine their commitment to public science investment.  The emphasis on supporting business expenditure on R&D has grown and there is increasing expectation that science will support economic recovery through addressing immediate industry and firm needs.  What does this mean for New Zealand?

Three significant policy changes are occurring; 

  • Priority setting, which has usually been synonymous with additional science funding, is happening with much greater scrutiny on existing funding. In the past, priorities have been set through relative funding levels, but other approaches, such as length of term of funding, are now being implemented.
  • Lifting the level of private sector R&D remains a critical challenge in New Zealand. The repeal of the tax credit legislation has provided the impetus for a more targeted approach to firm support. Large R&D intensive firms have different needs than SMEs facing a technical barrier to their growth, so mechanisms to stimulate R&D expenditure in each must be similarly differentiated.
  • Ownership of Crown research institutes represents an important opportunity for them to be more effective agents for turning science into impact for New Zealand. Their current settings however incentivise them to focus on financial performance rather than ensuring their science delivers benefit for New Zealand. Identifying a clear focus for their operations and providing predictable funding to deliver on it will need to be matched with regular institutional review and tighter scrutiny on the boards in ensuring the impact of science is maximised.
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Page updated 18 Sep 2009