The Government announced yesterday the launch of its national statement of science investment (NSSI), which sets the long-term strategic direction for science in New Zealand.
Genetics Otago director and University of Otago associate professor of biochemistry Dr Peter Dearden said some ''really good points'' were outlined.
''I'm happy with what they have done here.
''There's a really positive sense that they're listening to what the sector needs ... which is good and now all we need is the investment.''
Some key actions laid out in the statement included simplifying Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment contestable funding, establishing regional research institutes, developing a new international science strategy and introducing annual science system performance reports.
Dr Dearden said one of the key points the Government had outlined was to get away from science being ''industry focused''.
Previously, the Government focused on funding science with business, he said.
''[It] needed to have industry buy-in to get funding, Dr Dearden said.
''[The proposed strategy] is a huge difference and a really important one.''
In a statement, Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce said the science system was critical to New Zealand's long-term prosperity.
''The NSSI will allow us to ... maximise the contribution of science to ... economic growth, prosperity, and the well-being of New Zealanders.''
Labour science and innovation spokesman David Cunliffe said the NSSI was ''not worth the wait''.
''[The Government] has taken seven years to write its first science strategy and has failed to deliver the step change in policy or funding New Zealand so desperately needs.''
Agresearch was approached for comment but a spokeswoman said the document was still being reviewed.
