Science Hub Will Boost New Zealand Innovation and Produc
Science New Zealand
Media Statement 29 April
2013
Science Research, Education
and Industry Hub Will Boost New Zealand Innovation and
Productivity
Anthony Scott, chief
executive of Science New Zealand, says that today’s
announcement of a world class agricultural research and
education Hub to be developed at Lincoln, near Christchurch,
is highly significant in the drive to enhance New
Zealand’s innovation and productivity.
Science
& Innovation Minister, Steven Joyce, and Primary Industries
Minister Nathan Guy have unveiled concept plans for the
Lincoln Hub. It will comprise three Crown Research
Institutes (AgResearch, Plant & Food Research, Landcare
Research), Lincoln University and industry body
DairyNZ.
Scott says, “The Hub will enable new
synergies and opportunities to be created from the
relationships of these players and their networks. It
reflects a strategic and operational commitment to lever the
resources of each, in order to create a faster flow-through
of talent, ideas and market-ready products and services.
“Hubs are proven performers in generating new
ideas from the interaction of industry and researchers,
attracting and fostering talent vital to our economic
future, and shortening the time to put ideas into action.
“A hub of global significance, as the Lincoln
Hub will be by virtue of the entities involved, will be
highly visible, and therefore more likely to attract
investment and additional private sector
businesses.
“The Lincoln Hub is a first of its
kind in New Zealand, and a very positive addition to the
national innovation landscape.
“Other special
interest clusters with high energy in research activity,
education and industry around New Zealand may well see this
as a way to develop.
“CRIs are particularly
keen participants because of their role in industry-relevant
science research and working with students and researchers
at tertiary
institutions.”
ENDS