Taskforce Calls For “Radical Revamp” Of Research

Taskforce Calls For “Radical Revamp” Of Scientific Research Capacity

The Trans Tasman Political Letter has released a special report on the findings of the Crown Research Institute Taskforce.

The future of scientific research is of crucial importance to NZ Inc and an area the Govt has pinpointed as needing special attention. The Taskforce has made some sweeping recommendations, including giving Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) greater freedom, cutting back on the level of micro-management, streamlining the funding process and creating more balanced and comprehensive performance indicators.

Trans Tasman says the Taskforce is calling for more stable funding for CRIs, to make them more accountable for their performance. It also says there are too many levels of accountability.

The Taskforce calls the CRIs a ”rich repository” of scientific capability and we have a unique chance to build on their particular strengths and successes.

It says at present CRIs do not have clear objectives – there’s confusion over whether they are meant to create value for themselves as a company or generate value for NZ. It calls for more focus on research contributing to the well-being and prosperity of NZ rather than research which will add to the bottom lines of CRI balance sheets.

Trans Tasman says the Taskforce is also calling or the CRIs to be more accountable to the public who fund them by holding annual general meetings, open to the public, where they can identify the benefits they have produced for NZ.

The Trans Tasman Special Report on the findings of the Crown Research Institute Taskforce is here.

ENDS