Unlocking New Zealand’s Potential: A Call to Transform Science, Innovation, and Technology (SSAG)

Executive Summary:
New Zealand stands at a pivotal moment. The nation’s researchers, scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs hold the key to overcoming productivity challenges and driving a diverse, thriving economy. Yet, without bold action, the country’s position as a global leader is at risk.

The Need for Change:
Global advancements in AI, quantum tech, and synthetic biology are reshaping trade, growth, and diplomacy. While their potential is vast, New Zealand lags in readiness to harness these opportunities. The current Science, Innovation, and Technology (SI&T) framework needs urgent reform to unlock its transformative power.

Key Recommendations of the SSAG:

1. Simplify and Restructure:
   • Merge Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) and Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) to reduce duplication and boost efficiency.
   • Create a new entity, modeled after Singapore’s A*STAR, for strategic oversight of research and innovation.
2. Invest and Incentivise:
   • Increase public and private funding in SI&T to fuel innovation and address societal challenges.
   • Rationalize back-office functions and prioritize funding strategies that reward collaboration across academia, industry, and government.
3. Empower Talent and Diversity:
   • Modernize PhD programs for non-academic careers and establish industrial PhD pathways.
   • Introduce entrepreneurship education early and expand opportunities for Māori and Pacific Peoples in STEM fields.
4. Boost Productivity Through Collaboration:
   • Leverage independent research organizations like Cawthron Institute, Malaghan Institute, and BRANZ for targeted advancements.
   • Enhance partnerships between universities, researchers, and private sectors to bridge gaps in innovation.

Why It Matters:
For decades, New Zealand’s policy community has undervalued the economic power of SI&T, a key driver of global productivity growth. By aligning with advanced nations that prioritize science and technology, the country can secure its future prosperity while addressing social and environmental challenges.

The Path Ahead:
Immediate action is critical. From streamlining bureaucracy to supporting a diverse workforce and supporting early-career researchers, the SSAG’s vision offers a roadmap for transformative change. Together, these steps can position New Zealand as a leader in innovation, ready to tackle the complex challenges of tomorrow.

At LASRA, our objectives remain clear: to lead the leather and materials science industry through targeted research and innovation while aligning our efforts with national priorities on productivity, sustainability, and transformative technologies like traceability. We take pride in our strong collaborations across academia, industry, and government, supporting and shaping New Zealand’s science and innovation landscape and delivering measurable economic, social, and environmental impact