Study aims to help drive economic growth

Study aims to help drive economic growth

Teaching and research in industries such as aquaculture, tourism and IT will strengthen the Western Bay of Plenty’s competitive advantage, according to a study of the region’s tertiary education needs over the next 10 years.

Economic development organisation Priority One partnered with the University of Waikato and the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic to commission the study which had a particular focus on science and research, and used demographic and business information when considering the drivers of future needs.

The study found there were opportunities for higher level tertiary training and research in several sectors that would strengthen the region’s competitive advantages. These included science-based studies (including food processing, horticulture, aquaculture and powder metallurgy), logistics and supply chain management, information and communications technology, health and tourism.

Priority One Chief Executive Andrew Coker says tertiary education is a critical building block for a more successful and vibrant local economy. Statistics show the region is behind the national average in attaining university qualifications.

Mr Coker says the need for more investment in tertiary education, particularly in degree programmes, and in research opportunities to support the region’s primary sectors of horticulture and wood processing, and niche manufacturing, has been recognised for many years.

A key aspect of the study’s findings is the importance of the clustering of training and research into key industry sectors to develop centres of excellence. Not only will these centres attract global talent, they will also position Tauranga as a world leader in these areas of research and therefore encourage companies to move to the region, Mr Coker says.

The study, prepared by APR Consultants Ltd, recommended stronger marketing of local tertiary offerings to secondary school students; work to smooth the transition from school to tertiary study; and a one-stop-shop website for all local tertiary programmes. There was also a strong focus on increased leadership training within business, and attracting international students.

“The findings offer us a road map to building competitive advantages in existing important industry sectors,” Mr Coker says, “as well as understanding the importance of nurturing emerging sectors, from high-tech applied materials to the potential development in Tauranga of a centre for performing arts.

“Importantly, the study will contribute to our ability to retain and attract young talented and creative people, who are the future of our economy here."

He says the study helps with planning and investment decisions around tertiary education and science capability in the sub-region. “Ultimately it will maximise the contribution tertiary education and research can make to the economy by providing robust projections of future need and an analysis of options to meet these.”

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Chief Executive Dr Alan Hampton is also supportive of the research findings. “The report brings together information and data which collectively informs the strategic development for the Polytechnic-University partnership in regard to academic programmes and research focus.

“Importantly, the report further enhances the ability of the two institutions to respond to the future education and training needs of the Western Bay of Plenty region. It also informs the development of research capability to support distinctive strengths and opportunities in our industries and professions.”

University of Waikato Vice-Chancellor Professor Roy Crawford says the Bay of Plenty region is very important to the university. “We are very appreciative of being able to work alongside dedicated organisations such as Priority One and the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic to build capabilities.”

Professor Crawford says new degrees such as the Bachelor of Social Work – only available at the Tauranga campus – are an example of how the university and polytechnic partnership is listening to the needs of the region, and delivering solutions. “This degree was introduced with input from iwi, business, and agencies in the region and will make a difference to the Western Bay of Plenty.”

ENDS

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