Otago-Southland employer representatives say the new Ministry of Science and Innovation must look at a wide range of industries if it wants to lift productivity in New Zealand.
John Scandrett, chief executive of the Otago-Southland Employers Association, has long been associated with innovation in the region, having worked in that area with the University of Otago and in the biotechnology industry.
"When we built the Centre for Innovation at the university, we did it with the goal of turning terrific and smart ideas into businesses.
"Not all were successful, but a lot of them are, or are on the way to being, successful."
It was important the Government did not have the mindset that innovation only happened in the information technology industry or at universities, he said.
A close look at all traditional industries that had served the region well over the years was needed to ensure the best return for the dollars spent was achieved.
Meat-processing companies Silver Fern Farms and Alliance were examples of traditional industries that were innovative and forward thinking but that might not come under the heading of the "smart economy", Mr Scandrett said.
"I am supportive of what happens in the IT industry and in a university lab, but we also must think about what we can do better at the farm gate, or in the forest with logs, so we can all benefit."
Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie agreed but also wanted a better definition of the words "innovation" and "productivity".
"How do we turn them into economic reality without getting caught up in terms that no-one understands? We need to know how to improve productivity."
Many Otago businesses would claim they were already innovative in their own particular industries and Mr Christie called on the Government to provide the tools - especially to the small and medium-sized business sector - to help improve those industries.
He also wanted some attention focused on the primary sector as it was still the main productive driver of the economy.
The innovation being shown by Silver Fern Farms and Scott Technology in developing new technology for the meat industry was an example of what could be done to improve productivity in a traditional industry, Mr Christie said.
Minister of Science and Innovation Wayne Mapp said the new ministry would work closely with business, research organisations and the Ministry of Economic Development to drive science and innovation.
The ministry would also play a role in protecting New Zealand's social and economic potential through funding science in areas such as the environment, health, geology and marine surroundings.
"As a small country, New Zealand needs all the key players working in partnership to enhance innovation," Dr Mapp said.
Successful innovators
Scott Technology
ADInstruments
Silver Fern Farms
Alliance Group
Nigel Bamford - Escea
Ian Taylor - ARL
