Plans focus science investment on stronger economy and society

The Pillar Investment Plans released today will guide science investment from 2026 to 2031 and mark a significant step in the reform of New Zealand’s science, innovation and technology sector.

"The Plans put the Government’s Science Investment Plan into action, translating its overarching priorities into tangible outcomes that will support innovation, accelerate commercialisation, create high-value jobs and boost New Zealand's global competitiveness, while continuing to back the science that underpins a healthy, resilient society and the environment," says Ms Williamson.

The Plans were developed by Research Funding New Zealand and agreed by the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology. They were informed by advice from across industry, the science sector, commercialisation experts, the Māori economy and government agencies, and are organised around the Science Investment Plan’s 4 priority areas known as pillars:

• Technology for Prosperity
• Primary Industries and the Bioeconomy
• Environmental Sustainability and Resilience
• Healthy People and a Thriving Society

"The Plans focus existing public science investment where it can make the greatest impact, particularly in areas that generate broad public benefits, strengthen national capability and support long-term economic competitiveness, where private investment alone is unlikely to deliver the outcomes New Zealand needs.

"They give researchers, research organisations, industry and investors greater certainty about the Government’s long-term priorities, helping them make informed decisions about research, capability, collaboration and investment."

Emma Blott, Research Funding New Zealand Chair, says the increased emphasis on the Technology for Prosperity pillar reflects the growing role advanced technologies will play in lifting productivity, driving innovation and creating new opportunities across the economy.

"The knowledge, skills and infrastructure developed through this pillar will support growth across multiple sectors, from primary industries to health and environmental management and resilience.

"Many research programmes will contribute to outcomes across more than one pillar, and the Plans recognise the importance of those connections in translating research into real-world impact for New Zealand.

"They support the full spectrum of science activity, from discovery research through to applied research and collaboration with end-users, recognising that delivering impact requires a diverse and connected research system."

Dr Blott says the Pillar Investment Plans will guide investment across the science, innovation and technology system, starting with the Transition Research Fund, opening shortly.

As the science, innovation and technology sector transitions to the new funding system, an update of the Plans is scheduled for the second half of 2027 to reflect further expert advice the Government has commissioned from the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council on workforce capability and research infrastructure, and Research Funding New Zealand on funding settings, and system performance.

Read the Pillar Investment Plans and the one-page summaries:

Pillar Investment Plans 2026–2031

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will hold a webinar on the Pillar Investment Plans on Friday, 9 October 2026.

Science, Innovation & Technology Reforms webinars: Pillar Investment Plans(external link)