A fourth would also be created to drive research on advanced tech like artificial intelligence and synthetic biology.
The plans also create several new bodies: an agency, named Invest NZ, will be set up to draw foreign investment for industries and tech, while a prime minister’s council would advise on science and innovation.
Luxon confirmed he’d also be appointed another chief science advisor – a role that’s sat unfilled for more than six months.
But Crown-owned Callaghan Innovation, which employs several hundred scientists and staff, would be shut down and its key functions moved to other entities.
Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Judith Collins, who is departing the portfolio, said Lower Hutt-based Callaghan had been spread too thinly across to many areas, leading to poor financial performance and an “over-reliance” on Crown funding.
In all, Collins said the reset would boost the country’s long-term economic performance and ensure scientists could pursue “meaningful careers” here.
Luxon said the Government’s focus was about “unleashing economic growth”.
“That is the thing that’s going to make this country wealthier and affect our living standards the most – and our message is really clear.”
The moves follow a months-long review by a panel chaired by former chief scientist Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, who said he was encouraged the Government had generally followed its recommendations.
“Global evidence shows science and technology are core to enhancing productivity in developed economies, including in small, advanced countries like New Zealand.”
New Zealand Association of Scientists co-president Dr Lucy Stewart however met the announcements with scepticism, arguing they’d do little address concerns of researchers and scientists raised last year.
Stewart questioned where in the new structure environmental and social science research would fit – and what support or interest there’d be for “public good” research more focused on societal benefits than making profits.
“The message to scientists from this government is clear: they are expected to be a source of revenue rather than working for the public good, and anything they do that isn’t directly linked to economic gain is of little interest.”
Sector commentator Professor Nicola Gaston, and director of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, said the announcement was “long overdue and not unwelcome”.
“My biggest concern about the planned reforms is far less the intent than the implementation.”
Jamie Morton is a specialist in science and environmental reporting. He joined the Herald in 2011 and writes about everything from conservation and climate change to natural hazards and new technology.
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