This month, New Zealand’s government released the “National Statement of Science Investment (NSSI) for 2015–2025.” The strategy’s 10-year goals are a simpler, more transparent science system investing effectively in the long term to benefit the country’s health, environment and society. The NSSI seeks to elevate New Zealand’s position as an R&D destination, and to regularly evaluate and monitor R&D performance. The government aims to increase business expenditure on R&D to 1% of GDP by increasing its support to business, such as through collaborations and grants. It also plans to raise its funding of public science to 0.8% of GDP “as fiscal conditions allow.” Other aspects of the plan include the establishment of Regional Research Institutes, NZD 351.8 million ($224.3 million) over 10 years in new funding for 11 National Science Challenges, $57 million of additional support over three years for the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment’s contestable fund, and a “strategic refresh” of the Health Research Council. The NSSI will be updated every three years to consider progress and account for needs in the science system.

Source: Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment