Focus on economic development welcomed

Media release 4 October 2001

Focus on economic development welcomed

Business New Zealand welcomes the Government's announcement that funding for new centres of research excellence in tertiary education will be focused on New Zealand's economic and social development.

The Government is to be commended for making it clear that we need research that is not only of high quality but is relevant to growing the NZ economy, says Business NZ Chief Executive Simon Carlaw.

"It is critical that the research these new centres produce is actually transferred and applied in a way that generates new products, services, jobs and wealth, ideally in New Zealand. The Government has recognised this in the criteria for selecting the centres.

"Business looks forward to working with tertiary institutions and other research organisations to ensure that these centres are relevant to NZ's needs. Strong partnerships between business and research institutions are the key to ensuring relevance and the transfer of new ideas," Mr Carlaw said.

Contact Simon Carlaw 04 4966555 (work) or Kathryn Asare 021 555744 for more information

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