The Ministry of Science and Innovation has commissioned an independent report focussing on improving access to and uptake of R&D in the high value manufacturing and services sector.
The full report (Powering Innovation) and a summary report were recently released and can be found here.
The report follows last year’s crown research institute taskforce report and is focussed largely on the future role of Industrial Research Limited (IRL).
The panel highlights the key role that the huigh value manufacturing and services sector should play in New Zealand’s economic growth. Amongst the key recommendations contained in the report are;
- Reshaping IRL as ‘Advanced technology New Zealand’ (ATNZ), which would focus on industry-demand driven research rather than basic research.
- Investing in the expansion of ATNZ in Auckland and Christchurch, while retaining capabilities in Lower Hutt.
- Enhancing connectivity between universities, ATNZ, and industry, for example through more flexible employment arrangements and exchange fellowships.
- Enhanced networking of university and CRI commercialization offices.
Experts’ responses to the report can be found here.
