Plugging a gap in the innovation ecosystem - NNCCs
By Peter Kerr for sticK
(sticK - 13 Dec. 2010 ) Maybe it's a missing part of New Zealand's innovation ecosystem, maybe not.
Given our country's small size, intense regional parochialism, and what are generally considered to be pretty thinly spread commercialisation skills, the about to emerge National Network of Commercialisation Centres is probably a good idea.
In the scheme of things too, its allocated
$11m over four years is chicken feed.
Who knows - my
crystal ball's as murky as anyone else's in this regard, but
the intent of the NNCCs, currently a work in development,
seeks to address some of the flaws recognised in turning
good ideas into income.
Relatively behind the scenes, the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (but let's call it the Ministry of Science and Innovation as it morphs into that), has been driving a 'what should it look like/do' process for the NNCCs.
To give MSI credit, it also recognises the development of 2 - 4 of these centres is an evolutionary process, and needs to build on existing structures and expertise.
For sticK – science, technology, innovation & commercialisation KNOWLEDGE - is a new Wellington based news service concentrating on following the money from ideas to income. Contact editor Peter Kerr at peter.kerr055 @ gmail.com