Government’s Science Investment Plan published

It positions science and research as a powerful driver of economic transformation - supporting high-value jobs, lifting productivity and strengthening New Zealand’s international competitiveness while continuing to invest in fundamental and investigator-led research, stewardship and public good science. 

Public investment will be targeted to 4 priority areas where science can make the greatest impact, support the commercialisation of research into real world use and unlock opportunities to accelerate economic growth:

• Primary Industry and bioeconomy
• Technology for prosperity
• Environmental sustainability and resilience
• Healthy people and a thriving society

Existing public science investment will be allocated across these priority areas, including a progressive shift of $122 million towards advanced technologies by 2029/30.

Changes will be phased in to provide certainty and continuity so researchers and organisations can plan and invest for the long-term with confidence. There is no reduction in total funding for science innovation and technology as a result of the Plan, and existing contracts will continue without change.

The Plan has been guided by advice from the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council.

Research Funding New Zealand will now develop Pillar Investment Plans outlining how the 4 priority areas will be delivered for approval by the Minister. These are expected in September 2026.

Science Investment Plan 2026–2036