Taskforce Report Charts Path Forward for CRIs

The Crown Research Institute Taskforce report lays out a clear path for New Zealand’s Crown Research Institutes, Taskforce chair Neville Jordan says.

The Taskforce’s report was released today by the Minister of Research, Science and Technology, Dr Wayne Mapp.

“The Taskforce recognised the enormous potential for CRIs to make a greater contribution to New Zealand’s future. The changes we recommended will enable this potential to be unlocked. Their implementation would be good news for CRIs and good news for science in New Zealand,” Mr Jordan said.

He said the Taskforce concluded that the main factors impeding CRI performance relate to their funding, ownership and governance arrangements.

“We focused on ways to give CRIs greater clarity of purpose, more targeted investment and greater responsibility to account for their performance. Our recommendations represent a rare opportunity to significantly change New Zealand science. They will stabilise costs, establish a much improved investment outlook for CRIs and reinvigorate New Zealand’s scientific environment.”

Mr Jordan says the Taskforce did not propose any new investment at this point, as they believe the Government should first focus on getting the fundamentals right.

“We have had very productive and informative discussions with CRIs and other stakeholders. There is an appetite for change in the science sector and broad support for the changes we have suggested. CRIs have made many important contributions to New Zealand’s economic, social and environmental well-being. We have a unique chance to build on their strengths and successes.

“I would like to thank my Taskforce colleagues and the others involved in our work for their dedication and focus,” he said.

The full report can be read at: www.morst.govt.nz/current-work/CRI-Taskforce/Final-Report/

ENDS

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