The science sector reforms are an opportunity to grow the New Zealand economy through science and research - NZIER Insight 122

New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (Inc)
Media Release, 3 September 2025

For immediate release

The science sector reforms are an opportunity to grow the New Zealand economy through science and research, according to a report from NZIER. The new Public Research Organisations (PROs) can commercialise innovations and increase productivity by taking a deliberate and focused approach.

‘We have lots of examples of successful commercialisation in New Zealand,’ said Principal Economist Dr Bill Kaye-Blake. ‘In health, technology and agriculture, there are successful models that the PROs can follow.’

The PROs have been formed from former Crown Research Institutes (CRIs), following a review of the sector led by the Science System Advisory Group, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman. The review made suggestions designed to promote New Zealand’s economic productivity.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) has tasked the new organisations with maximising the value of government funding to the science sector and boosting long-term economic performance.

‘In the cases that we reviewed, commercialisation came from a combination of focus and collaboration,’ said Dr Kaye-Blake. ‘People have to be focused on the process of moving from a good idea to something that works in the market. They also need a team that can handle the complexity of commercialisation.’

In its report, NZIER notes that, overall, investment in science and research tends to be good for the economy. The challenge is finding ways to increase the value from that investment. Collaboration, building international connections, and creating stage-gated commercialisation pathways are all helpful for creating economic impact.

For further information, please contact:
Dr Bill Kaye-Blake
Principal Economist
027 362 0743
bill.kaye-blake@nzier.org.nz