Dr Paul Hutchison MP
National Party Research, Science & Technology Spokesman

21 August 2007

Labour’s R&D results woefully inadequate

An OECD report into strengthening innovation in New Zealand confirms Labour’s woefully unsuccessful track record in this area, says National’s Research, Science and Technology spokesman, Dr Paul Hutchison.

“It comes as no surprise the report reveals that investment in business research and development is less than a third of the OECD average.

“It’s no surprise, either, that the report confirms there are currently, too many small innovation support programmes for business, with too many rules and objectives.

“Ever since 2000, Labour Ministers have been rabbiting on about transforming the research and innovation environment, yet developments in this area remain underwhelming and productivity growth has slowed alarmingly.

“Helen Clark said in her 2005 Speech from the Throne that: ‘My Government believes that science and innovation are critical to driving our prosperity’ but that’s clearly not the case.

“The OECD report demonstrates the emptiness of her words. After eight years, the Labour Government still needs to formulate and communicate a strategic direction for the sector.

“Business development still needs improvement and policy still needs better coordination across government agencies.

“Innovation, ambition and excellence are foreign concepts to this Labour Government. Again, it’s no surprise they’re better at talking about innovation than practising it.”

ENDS

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