Research emphasis in Budget bang on productivity

Research emphasis in Budget bang on productivity target; devil in the delivery

The new science and technology spend and re-prioritisation of some funding is precisely the right emphasis needed for the nation's productivity growth, the Employers and Manufacturers Association (Northern) says.

"The extra spend budgeted for research, science and technology is bang on target if our economy is to grow," said Bruce Goldsworthy, EMA's acting chief executive.

"The productivity growth on which our economic fortune depends is driven by innovation and R&D.

"If anything the total falls short of what we need to invest, but we understand the need to cap the outlay at present.
"A weakness of the package is no new money is allocated for core RS&T; not doing more long term, basic science carries the risk of losing the lead in areas where we specialise.

"Since the funding package covers a wide range of science activities its success ultimately will be determined by how it is delivered.

"We applaud the $189.5 million of technology development grants targeting medium to large, research intensive firms, not projects, since its aim is to deliver the incentive with minimum bureaucracy.
"We are pleased to see the introduction of technology transfer vouchers which will drive closer co-operation between business and the CRI's and universities. But the $20 million for trialing these over four years is at best a timid beginning.

"We also applaud the initiatives to retain and attract science capability to New Zealand."

ENDS

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