By Yoke Har Lee
Technology New Zealand's search for a new general manager has been put on the back burner while the organisation reviews its future.
The chief executive of the Foundation for Research Science and Technology, Dr Steve Thompson, said hiring a replacement for John Manning was delayed after the Government signalled its intention to review Tech NZ with a view to expanding its role. The foundation is responsible for overseeing Tech NZ's assistance to business through investment in new technologies.
"We are just having a short hiatus in actually hiring somebody because it is a little unfair to go out and hire when you are a little uncertain as to how the job description is likely to be or will look in a short while," Dr Thompson said.
Tech NZ has been without a manager since Mr Manning was relieved of his duties in March following his comments about problems with the present science funding system. His views have since been widely echoed by many public figures.
Outlining the Government's programme called Five Steps Ahead, the Minister for Enterprise and Commerce, Max Bradford, said the Government would look into expanding the scope and funding of Tech NZ.
Dr James Buwalda, chief executive of the Ministry of Research Science and Technology, told the Business Herald that the review of Tech NZ was being done along with what was going on with the incubator programme.
"We are looking at the implications, the way in which Tech NZ might support any [part] of the incubator programme as part of that review. In addition to that, there is a more formal and complete review of Tech NZ going on in its own right."
In the past financial year, Tech NZ gave out $25 million to 1000 projects, up from $20 million the year before.
Review stalls search for Tech NZ manager
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