OECD Report Resonates With Engineering Sector

21 August 2007
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OECD Report Resonates With Engineering Sector

The Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) Chief Executive Dr Andrew Cleland says the OECD Review on Innovation Policy in New Zealand reflects recommendations previously made by the engineering profession.

“This review reached similar conclusions to those reached by IPENZ in two earlier policy reviews: Prosperity through Productivity (2005) and Growing Smartly (2004)”, says Dr Cleland. “We’re pleased the review found many parts of our national innovation policy are sound. But we are concerned that matters highlighted for attention are largely known and match IPENZ’s earlier recommendations”.

Dr Cleland says establishing measures and rewards for Crown Research Institute performance in developing industries has only just begun. He says the linkages between research and industry, recognised as vital in the review, will not be realised unless steps for progress are taken now.

“Amongst the plethora of funding mechanisms available in New Zealand, the review highlighted funding overlaps and a lack of direction showing how others could achieve their goals”, says Dr Cleland. “IPENZ has suggested simplification into a small number of strands, targeting economic development, economic security, environmental security and basic knowledge creation”.

“The OECD too recognised a need for policies to ensure that business, technical and design skills can come together. This will ensure new industries in New Zealand develop products and services we can sell profitably to consumers overseas. That means using fitness for purpose more and peer review less in evaluating quality. Both their and our review also recognised the special needs of SMEs.

We are pleased to see that the importance of building a technical skill base was recognised. New Zealand has had to make do with a low number of engineering and technology graduates compared to almost all other OECD countries. This already acute shortage of development engineers and technologists is likely to worsen due to the R&D tax incentives for the private sector. Shifting investment to match burgeoning demand in technical education and skills development programmes is vital”.

ENDS

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