9 July 2013
Callaghan Innovation strengthens national innovation system says Science New Zealand
Commenting on today’s release of the Callaghan Innovation Statement of Intent, the chief executive of Science New
Zealand, Anthony Scott, said:
“Callaghan Innovation will add considerable value to the national innovation system through this highly collaborative
and focussed approach set out today.
“Callaghan Innovation brings new attributes to the system, particularly through its specialist focus on near-to-market,
engineering and technical services supporting high value manufacturing and services sector innovation. Helping firms not
otherwise engaged to access the nation’s technology networks will be invaluable.
“The commitment to partnering with Crown Research Institutes, tertiary institutions and private firms acknowledges the
wealth of capability and connections in the relationships between researchers and end users.
“It is particularly pleasing to see this NZ Inc approach adopted from the outset as Callaghan Innovation has gone about
considering what resources it needs to have in-house.
“Callaghan Innovation inherited outstanding scientists, technologists and other staff from IRL.
“Making it as easy as possible for those people to remain in the wider science and innovation system, as Callaghan
Innovation proposes, is a very good decision for New Zealand as well as for the individuals. It also recognises that we
now live in a much more collaborative environment, where institutions increasingly share their specific expertise with
each other."
Science New Zealand promotes the value of science and technology for New Zealand. Its Board comprises the CEOs of the
Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) which collectively employ 3,600 staff, with annual revenues of $636 million. Two-thirds
of the nation’s publicly-funded science researchers, outside health and IT, work at CRIs and CRIs undertake
three-quarters of research contracted out by business.
CRIs undertake science research for public and private sector markets in New Zealand and abroad. They also provide the
essential underlying capability in people, facilities and knowledge for the long term future of science and innovation
in New Zealand. The CRIs are: AgResearch, ESR, GNS Science, Landcare Research, NIWA, Plant & Food Research, and Scion.
ENDS