A review of research and development will look into how it can better support the New Zealand's manufacturing and services sector, Science and Innovation Minister Wayne Mapp says.
"High-growth innovation-intensive industries have spear-headed the economic transformation of small economies like Denmark, Finland and Singapore. This grows skilled jobs, export revenues, and creates a competitive edge in the global marketplace. This is where New Zealand needs to be."
The Ministry of Science and Innovation (MSI) review would be done by an independent panel and focus on access to and uptake of research and development in the sector, Dr Mapp said.
"It would also help inform development of policy initiatives relating to business R and D, commercialisation, technology and knowledge transfer. It will also cover the role that research organisations play in these areas."
The review panel will report to a steering committee made up of representatives from MSI and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the Ministry of Economic Development.
Professor John Raine, head of the school of engineering and pro vice-chancellor for innovation and enterprise at the Auckland University of Technology, will head the panel. Its other members will be Professor Mina Teicher, a former director-general of the Israeli Ministry of Science and Technology, and Business New Zealand chief executive Phil O'Reilly.
The panel would seek input from interested parties, including key people from the business and research communities and made recommendations in April.
