Workshop explores regional potential

Steven Joyce

Attempts to win a slot in the Bay of Plenty for one of the new government-supported regional research institutes are expected to take a more concrete form after a workshop this Thursday in Tauranga.

Callaghan Innovation and the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment are partnering with Priority One in the Bay to introduce the concept, says Priority One's Greg Simmonds.

The Government pledged $25 million in this year's Budget to launch regionally based research institutes over the next five years.

The workshop is the beginning of a process to work with regional stakeholders to identify the best opportunities.

During his visit to Tauranga last week, Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce said he wanted to create more private-public organisations in the regions, along the lines of Nelson's Cawthron Aquaculture Park, a research and technology centre.

"It may or may not work for every region," he said. "We're only thinking of putting together three or four. If there's the combination of industry, passionate advocates and scientists who can form and run a trust alongside the Crown, there's an opportunity there."

Mr Simmonds said the three-hour workshop would be give interested local parties the lowdown in terms of the initiative, the process for putting forward a proposal, and an opportunity to answer any questions.