MEDIA RELEASE
5 November 2009
Knowledge based industries outperforming during downturn
Knowledge based industries appear to be stronger performers during the current economic climate while low-tech
industries are taking a harder hit.
This is one of the findings in a Department of Labour report on the New Zealand knowledge economy.
Professional and scientific equipment manufacturing, and architectural, engineering and technical services are amongst
the knowledge based industries seeing the most rapid growth. Employment levels in these and similar industries increased
more rapidly than in the rest of the economy over the past eight years.
Knowledge based industries are reaping benefits from investing in areas like R & D, employee training and product design.
Early signs are that the economic downturn has only accelerated growth in the share of national GDP represented by these
industries, so non-knowledge based industries are getting a smaller share of a smaller pie.
The Department of Labour report uses a methodology developed by UK research consultancy Geoteconomics to study regional
knowledge economies.
The study shows that Manukau City, Hamilton and Christchurch are the three major urban areas with the fastest growing
private knowledge based sectors, gaining ground on the ‘top tier’ Auckland and Wellington regions. The Queenstown-Lakes
District has also shown rapid growth.
-Ends