What we do
We provide high-quality policy advice to our Minister and manage the government's investment in research, science and technology (RS&T).
Our policy advice focuses primarily on the science system and how it operates to deliver benefits for New Zealanders.
Managing the Government's $650 million investment in research, science and technology (Vote RS&T) means that we set priorities for the investment, ensure there are strong systems in place so that the money is wisely spent, and then evaluate the results of the investment.
Our core business
Policy
Our advice covers the opportunities and issues that affect how New Zealand manages the delivery of RS&T. This advice ensures that RS&T delivers maximum benefit to New Zealand's economy, environment and communities. We provide advice on such areas as the structure of New Zealand's research system and investment mechanisms.
Scientific and technical advice
We also provide scientific advice to government about current and emerging scientific issues.
This includes maintaining an overview of emerging science developments that are important for New Zealand.
For example, we operate a Futurewatch programme that scans scientific trends and issues from around the world and considers potential impacts and opportunities that are specific to New Zealand.
Managing the Government’s RS&T Investment
We advise the government on how to get value from the money it invests in research, science and technology. The government finances about half of New Zealand's investment in RS&T, owns significant science infrastructure - notably the Crown research institutes (CRIs) - and in some cases government departments also carry out science and research activity. MoRST advises the Government on the opportunities for how investment in RS&T can deliver on the Government's priorities and directs that investment.
Contract Management
MoRST does not directly fund most RS&T. Rather, we provide direction to, and contract, the funding and investment agencies (FIAs) on the areas in which the money should be invested. The actual investment in individual programmes is administered primarily by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST), the Health Research Council (HRC), and the Marsden Fund Council.
Evaluation
MoRST assesses the results of the government's RS&T investment to ensure it is delivering value and also to help inform future investment decisions. For example, we are looking at government investment in the skills development of people working in the RS&T sector.
Working with the business sector
MoRST is actively building networks between research providers and the business sector. For example, MoRST held the Capitalising on Research Summit, which brought together leaders from the business and RS&T sectors to establish how to strengthen links between the two groups.
International
As the majority of the world's R&D takes place outside of New Zealand, international RS&T links are crucial. MoRST facilitates international contacts between researchers and research institutions to develop collaborative programmes, and raises awareness of New Zealand's science and technology capabilities.
We have recently strengthened the science and technology agreement between the New Zealand and German Governments. We have also set up a fund to support the exchange of New Zealand and European Union scientists.
More information on international linkages
Cross-Government collaboration
MoRST provides the RS&T perspective across government. As RS&T plays an important role across a number of areas of government work, such as sustainability, education, the environment, health and economic and social development, MoRST has a number oflinks and partnerships across government.
For example, in the field of economic development, MoRST chairs the Innovation Working Group (IWG), which brings together officials from 13 government agencies. The IWG's role is to identify and develop policy proposals to enhance the impact of New Zealand's innovation systems.
For more information please see Our Strategy and our Statement of Intent.