2018 Partnerships investment round opens

Today the Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods announced the opening of the 2018 Partnerships investment round, which will provide up to $26 million over seven years to support high-quality, industry-led research.

“The Partnerships scheme is aimed at increasing the competitiveness and sustainability of New Zealand’s economy. Partnerships support research organisations and research users, particularly industries, to work together to establish long-term research programmes,” says Woods.

“Achieving this Government’s ambitious goals, such as raising total investment in R&D to two per cent of GDP in 10 years and transitioning to a net zero emissions economy by 2050, will require changes to the research, science and innovation system. This includes developing a new overarching strategy to guide Government investment in science and innovation.

“Our recently announced R&D tax incentive is an initial piece of this strategy and will play a crucial role in lifting total R&D investment and transforming New Zealand’s economy to be inclusive, productive and sustainable.

“These changes could affect the funding landscape surrounding Partnerships. We will be better placed to consider how to invest effectively in research to support Government priorities once the scale and nature of the changes to the system become clear. As such, the Government is not currently committing to any further Partnerships investment rounds beyond 2018.

“The Government invests across a range of sectors and funds in science and innovation, and this decision is about ensuring New Zealand’s publicly funded research aligns with this Government’s priorities. I would like to emphasise that the decision to not commit to further Partnership investment rounds is not a research funding cut.

“I will be taking advice from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to ensure the funding will be invested effectively in the future. Applications to the 2018 round are eligible for up to seven years of funding, and existing Partnerships contracts will not be affected.

“There is still a range of alternative funding sources for would-be future applicants to apply to, such as the Endeavour Fund and the upcoming R&D tax incentive. In the meantime, I encourage a diverse range of businesses and industries to apply for the 2018 round,” says Woods.

Visit the website for more information and to apply for the 2018 Partnerships round, applications are due by noon 24 July 2018.

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