17 May 2007

Media Release

Research And Development Boost – Badly Needed

The Budget boost to R&D targeted at business will hopefully encourage more firms to look at modernizing and lifting productivity,” said Michael Barnett, Chief Executive, Auckland Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s a good thing but the scheme’s detail requiring a point of entry for companies to spend $20,000 themselves will be too high for many.”

There is an urgent need for more companies to engage in R&D. “Let’s hope the administration of the scheme will bring new players to the table, and not just allow companies already savvy with how to get a grant to collar the money available.”

The scheme unveiled in last year’s Budget was over-subscribed in weeks. Despite the $88m boost over 4 years in today’s Budget, it is likely to be the same again this year – the need is definitely there.

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