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Minister Maharey on science for New Zealand’s futureIssue:Minister Steve Maharey invited RSNZ Presidents Watson and Burns, and CEO Steve Thompson to attend a meeting of stakeholder groups on 27 May 2005 to outline his view of the future for New Zealand science and technology. Below are notes taken from the meeting, followed by a text version of the slides presented at the meeting. Notes:The Minister used his slides as an anchor point, but spoke beyond them, reflecting the feedback he had received from earlier stakeholder meetings. He said he was particularly impressed by the SEG (Science Enterprise) group’s* advice to him which talked of “adding value” in the science system. He has also recently had good discussions with Humanz on the possibility of that body increasing its role in New Zealand. He saw no need to tamper with our current structures, but we may have too much competition in the system. He saw no need for exhaustive studies or navel gazing, though he did see a need for a clear action agenda and roadmaps for key science areas. MoRST will put the case for a multi-year science budget, and trust providers to use it well. MoRST/FRST could devolve up to 60% of funding to a science organisation such as a university or CRI, while adding more non-financial measures of performance. If Cabinet agrees in principal, MoRST will consult further. The Minister said that New Zealand needs high performers too, which means supporting tall poppies and encouraging students. We also need a list of the skills required in the future. He also saw a TV-style prestigious awards ceremony for science. In discussion, several congratulated the Minister on his vision, but pointed to the need to develop more detail on the action agenda. Some noted that few end-users were present at the meeting, and that the presentation left them outside the loop. The Minister plans to talk with end-users next. President Jim Watson noted that a key problem was that, while the system may not be broken, trust levels were low and needed to be rebuilt. * The SEG comprises universities, CRIs and Research Associations. It was set up in 2002, and has published one paper on the science system (www.acri.cri.nz/media/4fe13c0b202413ee5dde08eb13485b2d.html) in 2003. It has recently met several times with the Minister to give advice, which was published in June 2005. Minister’s Slides: Science for New Zealand’s future: Picking up the PaceResearch, Science and Technology drive the innovation engine for New Zealand but we need to do more to lift our game. We need research and development to create value -enriching the lives of New Zealanders. Right now, the current science system isn’t broken, but must deal with new demands. We need to step up from simplistic public choice theory models of the 90’s. We need to better link RS&T to what matters to New Zealand in the 21st century. So, we need:
1. Long term sustainable investmentWhat does it mean?Funding that keeps pace with increasing research costs, innovative opportunities and OECD trends. Equally we are looking to see matching growth in private sector R&D. Why is it needed?Irregular increases in RS&T have reduced confidence that all innovative opportunities can be seized. ActionsDevelop a multi-year RS&T Budget package taking account of relevant investments in other Votes. Accelerate growth of R&D investment by private companies through leveraging public sector investment and applying other incentives. 2. A stable funding environment:What does it mean?Greater trust is placed in research organisations to make decisions on the research that is done. Why is it needed?RS&T organisations are where the information advantage lies. They have reached a point where they can maximise the advantages of a devolved investment approach. ActionsDevolve a significant amount of public good science funding (up to 60%) to research organisations. Ensure the non-devolved funds (ie. Health, NERF, Marsden and Technology NZ) provide regular opportunities for new ideas to be funded. Define what a successful CRI looks like and develop measures for financial and non-financial performance. 3. Support for high performers:What does it mean?We need new ways to attract, retain and network our high performing researchers, scientists and technologists both in teams and as individuals. Why is it needed?New Zealand needs to compete in an increasingly demanding global market for R&D talent. We need to energise our high performers with opportunities for creativity and discovery. ActionsIncrease the number of talented tertiary students studying science and technology Establish long-term awards for leading and emerging talent, that can be applied at any institution in New Zealand. Make it easier for researchers and technologists to move between research organisations and firms, as the Technology for Industry Fellowships (TIF) Scheme has been doing. 4. A clear and purposeful RS&T agendaWhat does it mean?A clear understanding of the critical responsibilities of players in our RS&T system, with a focus on the core capabilities we need to deliver benefit to New Zealand. Why is it needed?So research organisations can manage better for their people and future research priorities. ActionsAlongside the multi-year Budget package, develop a one-off statement on the obligations and expectations for the RS&T sector. Develop a series of RS&T directions (or roadmaps) for key science areas with relevant groups of stakeholders including other Ministers, key users and research organisations. 5. Enhanced opportunities for collaboration and networkingWhat does it mean?The success of RS&T depends on researchers, research organisations, government agencies and firms interacting and connecting with each other. Why is it needed?While collaborative activities and networking are already occurring, this needs to accelerate if New Zealand is to keep pace with the rate of international scientific discovery. ActionsFacilitate collaboration and networking in the research sector, both nationally and internationally, to:
6. RS&T is valued, trusted and supportedWhat does it mean?New Zealanders connect with the science system and are supportive of the research directions. Why is it needed?New Zealanders have yet to recognise and support the role of RS&T in powering innovation in New Zealand. ActionsTell the NZ science and innovation story through a co-ordinated approach to RS&T communications. Implement a science link programme which supports engagement between researchers and the public. Develop active links between scientists and schools. Establish an annual Prime Minister’s Science Award that is prestigious, visible, coveted and widely promoted. So, what will change?
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