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To stimulate economic growth, establish a clear course, and set up New Zealand for future prosperity, the government today announced changes to the country’s science, innovation, and technology system.
The announcement initiates the biggest overhaul of New Zealand’s science, innovation, and technology system in over three decades.
The goal of the changes is to increase the return on public investment and build a more dynamic science, innovation, and technology system that can adapt to changing priorities and keep up with emerging technologies.
What’s altered?
To give the science, innovation, and technology system strategic direction and oversight, a Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation, and Technology Advisory Council will be formed.
New Zealand will shift the focus of its seven current Crown Research Institutes to specific areas of interest.
AgResearch, Plant and Food Research, Scion, and Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research will be integrated to enhance the bioeconomy.
In the realm of Earth sciences, a merger between the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited (GNS Science) and the National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) has been established. It is noteworthy that the Cabinet has given preliminary approval for NIWA to acquire MetService as a wholly owned subsidiary.
Environmental Science Research (ESR) will be restructured to focus on health and forensic science services. A new public research organization dedicated to advanced technology will be created, concentrating on research, capabilities, and commercial outreach in artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, and quantum technologies.
Key functions of Callaghan Innovation will be transitioned to other scientific sectors, leading to the dissolution of the organization.
(Newsroom staff only edited this story for style from a syndicated feed of Hīkina Whakatutuki)
