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 2003/04. The foundation should also refer to the 2003/04 Estimates of Appropriation and the 2003/04 Letter of Expectations, Operating Principles and Vote Statement "Accelerating New Zealand's Transformation", issued by the Minister of Research, Science and Technology, May 2003.
Output Class 07-Research for Industry
Description
This output class supports public good research, science and technology that increases the competitiveness of New Zealand industries and sectors.
Outputs comprise the following:
? Research whose primary objective is 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. $116,868,500.00
? Research whose primary objective is to advance manufacturing and services industries and sectors through innovation. Assists manufacturing and services industries and sectors to innovate, and includes research on the broad factors affecting business and economic life. $24,041,600.00
? Research for the development of infrastructure to underpin economic development. Assists infrastructure services, such as communications, energy, water and waste, to innovate cost-effectively. It also includes research on New Zealand's mineral wealth and understanding of, and responses to risks faced from New Zealand's physical hazards. $29,432,900.00
? Research consortia to facilitate public/private research partnerships that provide early user engagement and increase private investment in New Zealand. Research investment will be made through user-led research consortia in partnership with research providers. $14,692,000.00
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 output class provides funding to develop Maori research capability, evolve Maori knowledge and develop knowledge for the benefit of Maori. It aims to support research that is for Maori, by Maori
and which may employ Maori methodologies. $3,298,000.00
As it invests, the foundation will give priority to portfolios of research that meet the following criteria:
? research, science and technology programmes that encourage excellence in the delivery of knowledge for Maori;
? advancing Maori knowledge and knowledge that addresses specific issues and needs; and
? consolidating the Maori knowledge base and broadening and deepening the Maori research skill base.
For the proportion of the funding that is jointly managed by the foundation and the Health Research Council, the foundation will work closely and constructively with the HRC to ensure benefit for Maori.
Output Class 013-Social Research
Description
? This output class supports public good research, science and technology that improves societal wellbeing. The foundation will invest in science and research programmes that have the greatest potential to have a positive impact on families, communities, culture and identity. $6,592,000.00
Outputs comprise the following:
? Research on the structures, characteristics and dynamics of population change and identity.
? Research on families and households in New Zealand.
? 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 as is
the attention to the social impacts of new technologies. These outputs contribute to an understanding of the global biophysical environment and the impact of atmospheric, climatic and other changes to natural, agricultural and other human ecosystems.
The foundation is to focus on the following priorities-
Of the new funding this year:
? $1 million will be directed at finding alternatives to the continued use of poisons for possum control; and
? the remaining $1.5 million will be used to:
? support multidisciplinary research aimed at improving understanding of the socio-economic, ethical and environmental impacts of genetic modification and other emerging biotechnologies; and
? seek opportunities for co-funding in the Environmental Research outputs.
Outputs comprise the following:
? Increasing knowledge and awareness of the state of New Zealand's ecosystems and improving their health, diversity and resilience; $29,066,000.00
? increasing understanding of the global biophysical environment; $24,451,400.00
? improving the quality of human environments and enhancing the capacity to use and manage ecosystems efficiently and sustainably; and $4,606,000.00
? sustainable management of the productive sector's environment. $30,046,600.00
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 2003.
PETE HODGSON, Minister of Research, Science and Technology.