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 2004/05. The foundation should also refer to the 2004/05 Estimates of Appropriation and the 2004/05 Letter of Expectations, Operating Principles and Vote Statement "Transforming New Zealand", issued by the Minister of Research, Science and Technology, June 2004.
Output Class-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. $123,528,500
? 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. $30,581,600
? 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. $33,698,900
? 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. $17,072,000
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-Maori Knowledge and Development Research
Description
? The Maori Knowledge and Development Research output class provides funding to develop Maori research capability, evolve Maori knowledge and, hence, develop knowledge for the benefit of the nation. The output class aims to support research that is for Maori, by Maori and which may employ Maori methodologies. $2,698,000
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 the nation through research activities envisaged in the description;
? 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-Social Research
Description
? This output class supports public good research, science and technology that improve 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
Outputs comprise 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-Environmental Research
Description
This output class supports public good research, science and technology that enhance the understanding and management of our environment. The research contributes to the understanding of species, habitats and ecosystems, 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 $5.925 million new funding this year, this will be directed to:
? upgrading and maintaining nationally significant databases and collections including an increase (for 2004/05 only) of $750,000 to upgrade existing databases; and
? supporting air quality and marine biosecurity research.
Outputs comprise the following:
? Increasing knowledge and awareness of the state of New Zealand's ecosystems and improving their health, diversity and resilience; $33,816,000
? increasing understanding of the global biophysical environment; $24,119,400
? improving the quality of human environments and enhancing the capacity to use and manage ecosystems efficiently and sustainably; and $5,947,000
? sustainable management of the productive sector's environment. $30,496,600
As it invests, the foundation will give priority to portfolios of research that meet the following criteria:
? Scientific and technological quality; and
? contributions to the understanding of species, habitats and ecosystems, and the human, pest and other influences to which they are exposed.
Dated at Wellington this 8th day of September 2004.
PETE HODGSON, Minister of Research, Science and Technology.