Hon Steven Joyce
Minister of Science & Innovation
28 May 2014
Govt seeks feedback on $1.5b science spend
Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce today released the Government's first draft National Statement of Science
Investment (NSSI), which sets out the current settings and proposed future priorities for Government’s science
investment, for public feedback.
“The Government’s science investment will be almost $1.5 billion in 2015/16, a figure which has grown by more than 70
per cent across government since 2007/08. To capitalise on opportunities to increase the value and effectiveness of this
investment, the draft NSSI proposes a series of key priorities for action over the next five to 10 years,” Mr Joyce
says.
“This government has introduced a number of new initiatives including the National Science Challenges, Callaghan
Innovation and the Primary Growth Partnerships. Now is a good time for a stocktake on the overall shape of the science
system to consider where the next investments should be made.”
The draft NSSI reviews the entire cross-government investment in research and development. It also proposes potential
reforms to the sector-specific research funds administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
“We’re after feedback from everybody who has an interest in the science system to assist us in focusing our efforts. We
want a broad conversation about the overall direction of Government’s science investment and the balance of that spend,
between investigator-led, mission-led, and business-led research,” Mr Joyce says.
“It is also important that we further develop the evaluation framework for our science investment; and not just focus on
the amount invested. The draft NSSI proposes a number of measures in this regard.
“It’s vital our science system can respond to the unique economic, environmental and cultural challenges that New
Zealand faces now and in the future.
“Over the next five to 10 years, the science system will be increasingly prominent as it both shapes and is shaped by an
economy that is increasingly innovation-led, and New Zealanders who are more engaged with science in their daily lives
than ever before.
“New Zealand is now making a much bigger investment in science than it was six years ago. Through the NSSI we expect to
maximise the critical contribution of science to New Zealand’s economic growth, prosperity, and the wellbeing of all New
Zealanders.”
The draft NSSI is available at: www.msi.govt.nz/update-me/major-projects/national-statement-of-science-investment
ENDS