The science sector was mentioned in the Prime Minister’s Statement to Parliament today, although Christopher Luxon added nothing to the announcement from former Science, innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins before the portfolio was handed to Shane Reti.

But he did portend further announcements being made this year.

Mr Luxon said the Government had “kicked off major reforms designed to attract more investment and encourage more commercialisation of science and technology, with more changes expected in these areas in the coming months”.

A section of his statement was headed Science, Innovation and Technology.

It said:

The Government will also progress major reform to our science and innovation system to better promote economic growth. The existing Crown Research Institutes will be converted into four Public Research Organisations focused on bio-economy, earth sciences, health and forensic sciences, and advanced technology. Each of these will have a sharp focus on commercialisation to ensure good ideas are converted into economic opportunities for Kiwis.

To support this, we will also work to reform intellectual property settings across our universities and the broader science sector to ensure researchers can share more directly in the commercial success of their work, following successful models adopted by leading institutions overseas.

To guide these efforts, we will establish an Advisory Council, tasked with setting strategic priorities and ensuring funding is directed where it can have the greatest impact

Source:  Prime Minister