Preparing businesses for growth after the recession is the theme of today's TechNZ workshop in Dunedin which has attracted 30 local-business registrations, with spaces available for more.
The workshop is one of a series being held around the country by TechNZ, which is the business investment programme of the Government's Foundation for Research, Science and Technology.
It aims to help companies to identify emerging opportunities and "prepare for the inevitable economic recovery", said foundation director of business development Eileen Basher in a statement.
"If companies wind down and do the bare minimum, they will be lagging behind their competitors when the economy improves," she said.
The four-hour workshop today at the Dunedin Centre, led by John Cunningham of Ignition Partner Ltd, which specialises in helping businesses with strategies for growth from innovation, is co-hosted by the Dunedin City Council's economic development unit.
"You have to be creative, innovative and courageous to grow in this environment," Mr Cunningham said.
Two companies, including Dunedin-based listed Scott Technology, which manufactures assembly lines and is involved in robotic meatwork development, and Powerhouse Wind, will give workshop presentations.
TechNZ can approve small $5000 investments to kick-start research and development projects and is involved in larger grants up to $30,000 for more complex work, plus mentoring, advice and networking.
