WELLINGTON, N.Z.—There are prospects for a major change in science and technology policy in New Zealand following the release of a comprehensive and plain-speaking report. The report, completed in December but just now being discussed, said the "key to prosperity" lies in moving the nation rapidly toward a Scandanavian-type economy based on science and technology, (e.g. small, high-value, high tech products in medicine, electronics and biotechnology).
The report is named after Sir David Beattie, a respected former judge and governor-general, whose seven-member committee was asked last year by Bob Tizard, the Minister for Science and Technology, to provide a national blueprint for R&D. The issue is an urgent one because New Zealand is seeking a successful financial niche following a drastic drop in its traditional export income from farm produce.
The committee is pressing for: a doubling in per capita R&D expenditure over the next seven years, from a current...
Interested in reading more?
Become a Member of
Receive full access to digital editions of The Scientist, as well as TS Digest, feature stories, more than 35 years of archives, and much more!
Already a member?
