Statement of Intent 2008-2011

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Contents

Our core business

What do 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 within the wider innovation system to deliver benefits for New Zealand.

Managing the Government’s $725 million (total Vote RS&T) operating investment in research, science and technology means that we advise the Minister on priorities for investment, ensure there are strong systems in place so that the money is spent wisely, and then evaluate the results of the investment.

How do we do this?

We provide focus, direction and co-ordination in the area where government and science intersect.

New Zealand’s RS&T system is split into organisations that purchase research, those that carry out research and those that use it. These organisations are spread across government, higher education and the private sector.

We oversee the RS&T system to ensure it is delivering the results that government seeks from it. We also ensure the ideas and knowledge produced inform government decisions and policies.

We work closely with the other agencies involved in creating an innovative and productive New Zealand. We also contribute significantly to the Government’s social, environmental and health goals.

What is our focus?

Our focus is primarily, but not exclusively, on science and how the knowledge generated by it can be applied to benefit New Zealand.

Research, science and technology extend across a vast area and there are other government agencies that have an interest in this area. Our unique role is that we focus on the creation of new scientific knowledge, while recognising that this means we also have an interest in associated areas of research, technology and engineering.

Our core business

We provide advice in two main areas: policy and scientific/technical.

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 areas such as the structure of New Zealand’s research system and investment mechanisms, and the contribution of science to the innovation system and New Zealand’s economic growth.

Managing the government’s RS&T investment

The government finances about half of New Zealand’s investment in RS&T and 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 investment in RS&T to deliver on the Government’s priorities, and directs that investment. We also advise the government on how to ensure its research, science and technology investment is connected into other parts of the economy and society.

Contract management

MoRST does not decide what specific research projects are funded. 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 monitors and evaluates 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 currently looking at government investment in linkages with overseas science organisations.

Working with the business sector

MoRST is actively building networks between research providers and the business sector. For example, MoRST and Business NZ jointly established the Capitalising on Research and Development Action Group (CRAG), which works at the interface between research and business. A particular focus is the new R&D Tax Credit.

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.

For example, we have recently negotiated a science and technology (S&T) co-operation agreement with the European Union that strengthens New Zealand access to European S&T opportunities.

Engaging in cross-government collaborative work

MoRST provides the RS&T perspective across government. Because 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 of links 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 system.

Scientific and technical advice

We also provide scientific advice to government about current and emerging 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. We also advise government about New Zealand’s needs for large-scale research infrastructure, for example the high-speed Kiwi Advanced Research and Education Network (KAREN).

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Page updated 22 May 2008