The government has announced significant reforms to its science and innovation system, marking the “largest reset” in over 30 years.
The changes aim to maximise the impact of $1.2 billion in annual government funding, driving economic growth and fostering advancements in key research areas.
The reforms include restructuring the existing seven Crown Research Institutes into three new Public Research Organisations (PROs) focused on bio-economy, earth sciences, and health sciences, alongside a new PRO for advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and synthetic biology.
A Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council will also be established to provide strategic oversight and ensure the system aligns with national priorities.
The plan will create a central agency, Invest New Zealand, to attract foreign investment and skilled professionals while disbanding Callaghan Innovation, with its functions redistributed to other entities.
A new national policy on intellectual property will allow researchers to retain ownership of their innovations, promoting commercialisation and financial incentives.
Controversially, restrictions on gene technology will be eased, amid significant public backlash.
Image credit: Getty Images
PRO’s, well named, I’ll bet they pimp out whatever globalist Frankenscience the latest bunch push on the unfortunate people of this country….
Corporate science? What could possibly go wrong.