Transformational Research, Science and Technology workshop summary

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Hosted by the Ministry of Research Science and Technology, Nelson 2-3 August 2006

Summary & Next Steps

Nelson: 2-3 August 2006
35 participants: mix of individuals from RS&T, government and private sector
Aim: –Foster discussion on transformational RS&T –Identify up to 15 concepts for MoRST to take to Ministers

Where can additional RS&T make a real difference to what matters to New Zealand?
This workshop is a new approach to identifying ideas drawing on collective wisdom and diversity.

[Helen Anderson, Chief Executive, MoRST Opening Address]

Likely to have a strong outcome focus
Relates to opportunities for new investment or effort: doing more or doing it differently
Likely to involve:
- Close partnerships of scientists and users:
- Multi-organisation; co-funding
- An integrated mix of different types of RS&T: basic, strategic, applied, transdisciplinary
- IP or unique know-how
- Strong international focus
- Mix of existing and new effort

‘Transformational RS&T is about science connecting to users’
‘Why look at capital going in – instead look at the return coming out. ‘
‘Not enough pull – we’re pushing on a piece of string.’
‘Science needs to look to future but also needs to resonate with New Zealanders.’

Prior to workshop 80 concepts (up to 2 pages long) received from individuals from government departments, CRIs, universities.
Some authors present at workshop; some not.
Each outlined:
- An opportunity or challenge for New Zealand
- The critical contribution or role that New Zealand RS&T could make
- Evidence that RS&T could meet the opportunity or challenge
- Required changes
Most focused on the ‘what’ (areas of RS&T) not the ‘how’ (approaches to doing RS&T)
Workshop task: to select top 15 advising how they could be strengthened further and implemented.

Two criteria used to support discussions and scoring of concepts:

Most incremental and not transformational
But useful early ideas
Need to find the synergies across concepts
Need to articulate the unique New Zealand approach
Need to consider the ‘hows’
A few gaps: social, manufacturing, health, artificial intelligence, tidal energy, …

Innovation led manufacturing – technology platforms
Future foods (functional and premium foods)
Real time feedback for efficient ecology and productivity (expert system production and resource management)
ICT driven risk management (biosecurity)
New Zealand response to climate change (adaptation)
Next generation bioreactors (rumen based value-added products)
Marine biotechnology/biodiscovery
Personalised therapeutics (niche manufacturing, pharmaceuticals)
Integrated environmental technologies
Urban ecosystems
Smart biomaterials
Money from muck (extracting value from primary sector waste streams)
Enhancing our natural environment to be profitable and green
Health – evidence and tools for New Zealand specific health issues

Connect globally and bring in external ideas
Vibrant cities and profitable and green environment will naturally attract talent
Tailored governance models can support links between RS&T and business
Variable co-funding enabling RS&T to explore frontier ideas
Improved institutional arrangements
Infuse science into firms and sectors: then no need for technology transfer

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Page updated 09 Nov 2007