Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council report published
Published: 01 April 2026
The Government is backing the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council’s first report. It outlines recommendations on how government investment in the science, innovation and technology system could be prioritised to deliver the strongest returns for the economy and community of New Zealand.
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The report proposes organising future investment around four funding pillars:
- Primary industries and the bioeconomy
- Technology for prosperity
- Environmental sustainability and resilience
- Healthy people and a thriving society
The council recommends reallocating $122 million over the next 3 years towards advanced technologies with the potential to deliver stronger national impact. It also proposes a balance of mission-led research focused on national priorities and investigator-led research to support novel ideas.
Additional recommendations include increasing the system’s focus on measuring inputs, outputs and impact to inform investment decisions.
The council’s advice informs the Government’s Science Investment Plan, which will set out strategic research priorities and align public investment with long‑term government goals. The Science Investment Plan to be released around the middle of the year. Research Funding NZ will develop Pillar Investment Plans that outline actions to deliver the strategic research priorities.
The council continues its work by providing advice on research infrastructure, workforce, and performance measurement in the science, innovation and technology system. MBIE provides secretariat support for the council.
Read the report:
MBIE media contact
Email: media@mbie.govt.nz
https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/news/prime-ministers-science-innovation-and-technology-advisory-council-report-published
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