Science New Zealand welcomes Prime Minister’s commitments on science and innovation

Science New Zealand welcomes the remarks on science and innovation in the Prime Minister’s Opening Address to Parliament today.

John Morgan, chairman of Science New Zealand and chief executive of NIWA, says:

“The Prime Minister could not have put it more clearly when he said that New Zealand’s future economic performance depends to a large extent on generating and using new ideas.

“New Zealand can only improve its economic performance relative to other countries by increasing the value of the goods that we export. That means not just more of the high quality produce we currently export, but new and exciting products and services that support high-paying jobs back here.

“We start from a good base. Relative to countries of similar size, our science and technology skills and ability to generate great ideas are outstanding. But it is not enough. Both public and private sector investment into R&D is required to ensure great ideas become export champions for New Zealand. We have some great examples, such as Zespri and Weta, but need many more.

“So we are delighted to see the Prime Minister making investment into science and innovation to underpin business opportunities a priority in the constrained spending environment.

“The Crown Research Institutes also applaud Government’s commitment to improving the public science system, so that we can become even better as engines of science for New Zealand’s benefit, and thus key elements in the nation’s international competitiveness.”

ENDS

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