A new advanced technology PRO will deliver research, capability, and commercial outreach around advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, and quantum.
It also appears the Prime Minister’s chief science advisor role – which has sat unfilled since July – will be replaced with a new science, innovation and technology advisory council.
Separately, another new agency, called Invest New Zealand, would be the Government’s “one-stop-shop” for foreign direct investment for industries and technologies, Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Judith Collins announced in a statement today.
New Zealand Trade and Export would incubate Invest NZ and run its establishment process before it officially becomes an Autonomous Crown Entity.
Callaghan Innovation – established just over a decade ago – would be closed, and its most important functions moved to other entities, said Collins, who is departing the portfolio.
“Callaghan has simply been spread too thinly across too many functions, leading to poor financial performance and an over-reliance on Crown funding.”
Collins said the long-awaited reforms would maximise the value of the $1.2 billion in government funding that goes into the science sector each year, creating a “more dynamic” system that could “respond to priorities and keep pace with technological advances”.
“Getting the system settings right is the best way to boost long-term economic performance and ensure our scientists can pursue meaningful careers in New Zealand.”
She said the four new PROs would be adaptable and responsive to government priorities, accountable through appropriate cost recovery, and set up to be well-coordinated and to avoid unnecessary duplication.
“The PROs will also look for partnerships with private sector investors in research capability, facilities and knowledge production.”
New Zealand Association of Scientists co-president Dr Lucy Stewart greeted today’s announcements with scepticism, arguing they’d do little address concerns of researchers and scientists raised last year.
“It is entirely focused on commercialisation and commercial benefits from science and technology, announces no new funding for local research, and disestablishes the sole Government institution that was focused on advanced technology research and commercialisation in favour of setting up new institutions.”
She questioned where in the new structure environmental and social science research would fit – and what support or interest there’d be for “public good” research more focused on societal benefits than making profits.
“The message to scientists from this government is clear: they are expected to be a source of revenue rather than working for the public good, and anything they do that isn’t directly linked to economic gain is of little interest,” Stewart said.
“It is also fairly incredible for the government to assert that we need to attract more ‘skilled individuals’ to New Zealand when we know researchers are being made redundant and leaving the country in large numbers due to this government’s actions.”
The moves come after the Science System Advisory Group – led by Sir Peter Gluckman – was set up in March 2024 to deliver a report on improving the science system.
Further details around how the PROs are to be announced over coming months.
Jamie Morton is a specialist in science and environmental reporting. He joined the Herald in 2011 and writes about everything from conservation and climate change to natural hazards and new technology.
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