Research and analysis

UK Science and Innovation Network summary: New Zealand

Published 15 May 2024

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1. Science and Innovation Landscape

1.1 Science and Innovation Ecosystem

New Zealand has a high impact science ecosystem and innovation culture, from splitting the atom to being one of the world’s leading space launch nations. The Research and Development (R&D) intensive parts of the New Zealand economy consist of 42,000 researchers, around 4,000 R&D performing businesses, eight Universities, seven Crown Research Institutes, and many independent research organisations (Source: Briefing to the Incoming Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology).

Globally significant firms such as New Zealand founded Rocket Lab (space launch systems), Fonterra (dairy) and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare also maintain sizeable research capacities.

In 2023, New Zealand R&D spending hit a record level, increasing by 67 per cent since 2016, now reaching more than £2.5 billion annually (Source: Research Professional News). Business sector R&D spend grew by £730million compared with 2016 and accounted for more than half of total R&D expenditure in 2022.

1.2 Government Structures and Policies

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is the lead New Zealand agency for science and innovation. MBIE manages science funding and support programmes to transform New Zealand into a more technologically advanced nation. MBIE works closely with a number of agencies to promote science and innovation in New Zealand, including Callaghan Innovation, Health Research Council, and the Royal Society of New Zealand.

2. UK / New Zealand Science Relationship

2.1 UK / New Zealand Research, Science and Innovation Arrangement

The landmark agreement was signed at Prime Ministerial level on 1 July 2022, strengthening the UK and New Zealand’s collaboration in research, science, and innovation. The Arrangement commits to develop deeper links between our science and innovation communities, strengthening bilateral collaboration and building on areas of shared excellence. Following the 2022 signing, both countries identified key areas of mutual interest for enhanced engagement, agreed in a 2024 Work Programme.

3. UK / New Zealand Research, Science and Innovation Work Programme

In April 2024, both countries agreed a Work Programme of cooperative activities to advance the Arrangement, providing a pathway to deepen the integration of our science systems. The Work Programme priority areas are:

  1. Quantum technologies
  2. Oceans and climate change
  3. Aerospace technologies
  4. Agritech
  5. Bioengineering

Noting our shared status as associated countries to Horizon Europe, our nations will also seek opportunities for our researchers to collaborate within Pillar II of this programme.

In recent years, SIN New Zealand has worked to:

  • Initiate high impact collaborations to advance the Work Programme, including a ground-breaking project between the UK’s National Physical Laboratory and New Zealand’s Measurement Standards Laboratory to explore the potential of quantum sensing technologies for sea floor cable-based environmental detection.
  • Support the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and Innovate UK in building a pipeline of bilateral opportunities and collaboration, notably in Agritech.
  • Encourage high-level science co-operation between New Zealand and the UK.
  • Influence and inform the science and innovation policies of government, industry, and academia, including by sharing and promoting UK science and innovation excellence.
  • Achieve broader policy objectives and improve UK policy based on international experience and emerging opportunities with New Zealand.

4. Science and Innovation Network Contact

James Araci
Lead Adviser, Science and Innovation
British High Commission, 44 Hill Street, Wellington, New Zealand
Email: james.araci@fcdo.gov.uk

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