the Foundation for Research, Science, and Technology Act 1990 ("the Act")
Under section 7 (1) of the Act, the Foundation for Research, Science, and Technology ("the Foundation") is hereby advised of an amendment to the Government's priorities that the Foundation must adhere to in carrying out its functions under section 5 (1) (a) of the Act.
This notice revokes and replaces all previous notices issued under section 7 (1) of the Foundation for Research, Science, and Technology Act 1990, published in the New Zealand Gazette.
General
This statement sets out the Government's particular policies and priorities that will inform the Foundation's research investment decisions for 2002/03 only. The Foundation should also refer to the 2002/03 Estimates of Appropriation and the 2002/03 Letter of Expectations, Operating Principles and Vote Statement "Transforming New Zealand", issued by the Minister of Research, Science and Technology,
June 2002.
Output Class 07-Research for Industry
Description
This output class increases the competitiveness of
New Zealand industries and sectors using research, science and technology.
Outputs comprise of the following:
? Research for innovative food and fibre industries in New Zealand. To advance food and fibre based industries and related sectors through innovation. Research portfolios will lead to new products, processes and services that enhance the competitiveness of these industries and sectors. $116,868,500
? Research for innovative manufacturing and services enterprises. Assists manufacturing and services industries and sectors to innovate, and includes research on the broad factors affecting business and economic life. $24,841,600
? Research for development of innovative infrastructure. Assists infrastructure services, such as communications, energy, water and waste, to innovate
cost effectively. It also includes
New Zealand's mineral wealth and understanding of and responses to risks faced from New Zealand's physical hazards. $29,265,900
? Research consortia. Facilitates private sector co-funding of research programmes. Research investment will be made through user-led research consortia, involving research providers. $6,142,000
As it invests, the Foundation will give priority to portfolios of research that meet the following criteria:
? Scientific and technological quality;
? potential benefit to New Zealand through innovation;
? contribution to boosting competitiveness of New Zealand industries and sectors; or contribution to developing a robust infrastructure to underpin economic development;
? clearly defined partnerships and pathways to implementation of the research outcomes; and
? potential to build scientific and technological capability and to increase the level of innovation within user groups.
Output Class 011- Maori Knowledge and Development Research
Description
This class provides funding to develop research capability and knowledge for Maori development. It will encourage excellence in the delivery of knowledge for Maori, consolidate the Maori knowledge base, and broaden and
deepen the Maori research skill base in New Zealand. $2,573,000
As it invests, the Foundation will give priority to portfolios of research that meet the following criteria:
? Scientific and technological quality;
? contribution to the development of Maori research capability; and
? relevance and contribution to improving outcomes for Maori.
Output Class 012-Health Research
Description
This class of outputs supports public good research, science and technology that improve the health status of New Zealanders. The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology will invest in research portfolios that have the greatest potential to improve the health and quality of life of
New Zealanders. $1,050,000
Outputs comprise technology, products and services for improving health status and reducing health inequalities.
As it invests, the Foundation will give priority to portfolios of research that meet the following criteria:
? Scientific and technological quality; and
? contribution to improving health and social well-being.
Output Class 013-Social Research
Description
This output class supports public good research, science and technology that improves societal well-being. The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology will invest in science
and research programmes that have the greatest potential to have a positive impact on families, communities, culture and identity. $4,337,000
Outputs comprise of the following:
? Research on the structures, characteristics and dynamics of population change and identity;
? research on families and households in New Zealand; and
? research focusing on public life.
As it invests, the Foundation will give priority to portfolios of research that meet the following criteria:
? Scientific and technological quality;
? research that addresses the seven Key Knowledge Theme areas developed by the Ministry of Social Development, in conjunction with the Minister of Research, Science and Technology; and
? contribution to improving social well-being.
Output Class 014-Environmental Research
Description
This output class supports public good research, science
and technology that enhances the understanding and management of our environment. The research contributes to the understanding of ecosystems, species, habitats and the systems that contribute to them, and the human, pest and other influences to which they are exposed.
Research outputs provide the knowledge that underpins the management, protection and enhancement of natural ecosystems. Research on sustainable use of ecosystems and the productive sector's environment is also included. These outputs contribute to an understanding of the global biophysical environment and the impact of atmospheric, climatic and other global changes on natural, agricultural and other human ecosystems.
In order to stimulate research aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting Kyoto Protocol obligations, the Foundation is to focus on the following priorities:
? Reprioritising $0.5 million over three years from the existing investment in the output "Increasing understanding of the global biophysical environment"
to the output "Sustainable management of the productive sector's environment" (to focus on research to reduce transport emissions);
? reprioritising a further $0.5 million over three years from the existing investment in the output "Increasing understanding of the global biophysical environment" to the "Research for development of innovative infrastructure" output within the Research for Industry Output Class (to focus on energy efficiency research); and
? to seek opportunities for co-funding in the Environmental Research outputs.
A further $1 million of new funding has been appropriated to fund multidisciplinary research that will result in an improved understanding of the socio-economic, ethical and environmental impacts of genetic modification and other emerging technologies.
Outputs comprise of the following:
? Increasing knowledge and awareness of the state of New Zealand's ecosystems and improving their health, diversity and resilience; $29,066,000
? increasing understanding of the global biophysical environment; $24,785,400
? improving the quality of human environments and enhancing the capacity to use and manage ecosystems efficiently and sustainably; and $4,439,000
? sustainable management of the productive sector's environment. $27,546,600
As it invests, the Foundation will give priority to portfolios of research that meet the following criteria:
? Scientific and technological quality; and
? contributions made to the understanding and management of natural and human induced environmental systems.
Dated at Wellington this 23rd day of July 2002.
PETE HODGSON, Minister of Research, Science and Technology.