Sustainable growth of New Zealand's economy from New Zealand's science sector

Abstract

Internationally strong science education and research environments have been shown to be important components of a prosperous economy. New Zealand's National Government has recently been reinforcing these messages and prescribing changes to the sector-from wanting more science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates to greater research translation and end-user engagement. Are the messages enough to ensure changes? If not, what changes are required to our systems to deliver the vision of a prosperous New Zealand built on a vibrant science system? Possible changes will be briefly explored here, in particular, training for students and educators and support for practitioners and research, and development of engagement mechanisms between the research and business sectors.