Business Links With CRI’s Lead To Millions In Export Returns

Business links between Crown Research Institutes and the farming, manufacturing and service sectors are generating millions of dollars for the country in export income.

The outgoing President of the Association of Crown Research Institutes (ACRI), Dr Andrew West, said today that the commercial thrust of CRI’s as Government-owned stand alone business enterprises was envied by many overseas science managers.

“The system provides scope for strong interaction between business sectors and research providers in a manner that has proved extremely difficult to achieve in countries where bureaucratic procedures in a government controlled structure inhibit commercial exchanges.

“The record speaks for itself. Industrial Research Ltd (IRL) is now in the top 100 of New Zealand export earners with overseas earnings of some $8 million (approximately double the previous year) from its activities. Crop & Food Research in conjunction with IRL has isolated a new compound in a New Zealand crop that may be worth some $50 million a year within three to four years.

“AgResearch is driving significant added value to developments in our pastoral industries and earned $6 million in overseas income last year. Returns from the golden kiwifruit developed by HortResearch highlight the millions of dollars that have arisen from its successes in underpinning development of the horticulture industry. The outcomes of projects at Forest Research have been of considerable benefit to the returns of both forestry and wood processing industries.

“That our environmental CRI’s are finding demand for their services abroad, and are working closely with industry and local authorities across a broad spectrum of activities, is further evidence of a system geared to needs.

“The record shows that we have a solid research base, with strong links to commerce and industry from which to grow a more innovative economy. Recognition of this by key government leaders suggests we are ready for the next stage – a massive increase in the nation’s investment in RS&T.” -- ends

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