Research
Study to examine closer economic ties with Australia
The impacts and benefits of further economic integration between New Zealand and Australia are to be studied by the countries' productivity commissions.
At a meeting in Melbourne yesterday, Prime Ministers John Key and Julia Gillard announced that the productivity commissions of each country will conduct a joint scoping study to identify options for further reforms which might boost productivity, increase competitiveness and drive deeper economic integration.
Call to double research funds
New Zealand's investment in science, research and development, at present about 1.2% of GDP, should be more than doubled, Federated Farmers believes.
In a speech to the New Zealand Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science in Wellington recently, Federated Farmers national vice-president Dr William Rolleston said New Zealand had one of the lowest investments, about half the OECD average of 2.3%.
Government gives $50 million to aid research
The Government has announced a $50 million second round of research and development grants to successful high-tech businesses, with the biggest of the 19 grants going to Canadian-owned touch display maker NextWindow.
Science and Innovation Minister Wayne Mapp announced the grants yesterday. They follow an initial $92.5 million commitment in December last year.
read more: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=1074...
IRL to hold regional R&D seminars
- July 14 - Tauranga - IRL better exporting series
- July 20 - Christchurch - Export NZ Christchurch breakfast series
- July 29 - Gisborne innovate with IRL luncheon
We will post more information as it comes to hand.
The website for these R&D seminars can be found at:
Appointments made to CRI boards
Science and Innovation Minister Wayne Mapp has announced new appointments and reappointments to the boards of Crown research institutes, effective today.
Plant and Food Research approved as R & D partner for technology transfer programme
Plant & Food Research has been accredited as an R&D partner for the Ministry of Science and Innovation's Technology Transfer Voucher programme, designed to encourage business to engage in research and development that benefits New Zealand.
http://www.plantandfood.co.nz/page/news/media-release/story/approved-par...
Research and Development on the road - Industrial Research Limited article
Following its successful technology breakfast forums and other showcases, IRL is running a series of seminars throughout the country to boost understanding of the benefits of research and development to New Zealand industry.
Innovation for NZ Inc. - Industrial Research Limited article
The benefits of investing in research and development are proven, but in the current economic climate, the costs can be a barrier for some business. To help bridge this gap, IRL has launched another Co-investment programme, providing business with dollar for dollar funding for research.
AgResearch stalls 'damaging' report
Attempts to shut down a scientific report critical of AgResearch's practices at its genetic engineering laboratories have been revealed through the company's internal documents.
The report has sparked a war of words between the Canterbury University professor who wrote it, and the Crown research institute he criticises.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/national/5180258/AgResearch-st...
Government backs fresh water research projects
The Government is to invest $9.3 million over the next six years in fresh water research, Environment Minister Nick Smith and Minister of Science and Innovation Wayne Mapp announced today.