IRL to become high-tech HQ for New Zealand
Industrial Research to be transformed into an advanced technology institute, functioning as the 'high-tech HQ' for New Zealand.
Thursday, November 03 2011 || News || BY Paul Easton, businessday.co.nz
The Government today announced the Lower Hutt base of Industrial Research Limited (IRL) will be retained, months after an axe loomed over it.
Science and Innovation Minister Wayne Mapp reviewed New Zealand's high-value manufacturing strategy in June.
There were fears hundreds of scientists' jobs could be lost to the Wellington region if IRL was moved.
However, today Prime Minister John Key said the Government would boost investment in the science sector to transform IRL into an advanced technology institute, functioning as the 'high-tech HQ' for New Zealand.
"Over the next five years, we will effectively double the size and capability of IRL, transforming it into an advanced technology institute with up to 700 staff and with a far greater reach than at present."
IRL currently employs about 350 staff.
The institute would have a strong business-focused culture, will have a nation-wide remit and will be close to where the country's high-tech businesses are located. The institute will have facilities in Auckland and Christchurch, and will retain the existing Gracefield facility in Lower Hutt.
"The advanced technology institute will work in close partnership with industry," Mr Key said. "It will be a natural conduit for engineering and applied sciences graduates, meaning many of our best and brightest engineers and scientists will stay here in New Zealand."
Mr Mapp, who is about to retire from Parliament, has raised doubts previously about the concentration of IRL staff in Lower Hutt.
In June The Dominion Post reported that Dr Mapp's review was expected to focus on creating a more relevant mix of skills at IRL and career paths that would see scientists end up in the private sector, transferring their knowledge.
Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace has lobbied for IRL's Lower Hutt base to be retained.
Before we invest a lot more money into this or any CRI lets ask what "commercial" success they have actually had?
The get closer to industry comment has been around for 10 years or more - what have they done about that - nothing or very little. Do not provide more money to the same people......find new blood and look for entreprenuers who have a track record or the ambition to do something.
Waste of money in my view, this will achieve nothing, other than take 350 people out of failed or failing businesses onto the government payroll. Sounds like job creation ----- maybe the China model of the 1960s..... back to the past.
Posted by Anonymous at 17:41 on November 7, 2011
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