17 May 2007
Media Release
Research And Development Boost – Badly Needed
The Budget boost to R targeted at business will hopefully encourage more firms to look at modernizing and lifting productivity,” said Michael
Barnett, Chief Executive, Auckland Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s a good thing but the scheme’s detail requiring a point of entry for companies to spend $20,000 themselves will be
too high for many.”
There is an urgent need for more companies to engage in R “Let’s hope the administration of the scheme will bring new players to the table, and not just allow companies already
savvy with how to get a grant to collar the money available.”
The scheme unveiled in last year’s Budget was over-subscribed in weeks. Despite the $88m boost over 4 years in today’s
Budget, it is likely to be the same again this year – the need is definitely there.
ends