IRANZ submission to SSAG calls for expanded definition & support of IROs

In a move to redefine New Zealand’s science, innovation, and technology (SIT) landscape, the Independent Research Association of New Zealand (IRANZ) made a compelling submission to the Science System Advisory Group (SSAG) chaired by Sir Peter Gluckman. The submission, part of the Phase 1 IRANZ input, outlines key policy recommendations aimed at broadening the recognition and support for Independent Research Organisations (IROs) within the country’s public research framework.

During a meeting with IRANZ on 18 June, Sir Peter Gluckman acknowledged the importance of inclusive policies that support the diversity of New Zealand's research landscape, but said that change in the system was critical. “I think everybody agrees that the system as we have it is dated and needs change. In fact, in the 450 submissions between the two reviews, that was virtually the most common commentary that was made - that changes are needed,” Sir Peter remarked.

“There'll be debate over the detail, but I think the bottom line, the key messages are not too dissimilar. On the University side, it's more about getting the system to work as a system, rather than for the benefit of eight individual institutions where the institutional focus is dominant. But how do you actually do that while respecting academic autonomy, institutional autonomy, academic freedom, and also reducing the barriers that exist between universities, society, the research community, the policy community, and industry.”

“There are some big issues across the whole of the system. It's not just about what happens to CRIs, it's not just what happens to the funding mechanisms, what happens in infrastructure. It's also about the Independent Research Organisations, which are a broad mix, as it is about other entities in the education space. So there's a lot of moving parts here. And we need to move in a hurry because legislative change will be needed.”

Key Recommendations from IRANZ:

1. Expanded Definition of Public Research Organisations: IRANZ urges the government to widen its current restrictive definition of Public Research Organisations (PROs). Presently, the definition includes only Crown-owned and legislatively mandated entities. IRANZ advocates for the inclusion of IROs, which align with the OECD and UK Royal Society's definitions of public and nonprofit research organisations. This broader recognition acknowledges the vital role IROs play in addressing specific economic, environmental, infrastructural, and social needs, often not covered by Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) and universities.

2. Equitable Investment in SIT Capabilities: The submission calls for fair access to SIT funding and strategic science infrastructure investment for all research organisations, including IROs. This encompasses baseline funding for those providing essential resources, knowledge, and supervision to PhD and post-doctoral researchers. Many IROs maintain critical Strategic Science Infrastructure with little or no government support, underscoring the need for policies that ensure their financial viability and prevent undermining their contributions.

3. Focus on Impact in Contestable Funding: IRANZ highlights the need for contestable funding to prioritize the development of research teams achieving tangible impacts for New Zealand across economic, environmental, wellbeing, and mātauranga goals. This involves redefining research excellence to include impact, quality, integrity, originality, innovation, and significance. Additionally, there is a call for secure career pathways for researchers, addressing the high bidding costs and low success rates in current contestable funding processes.

IROs are crucial contributors to New Zealand’s economy and innovation ecosystem. Representing a diverse array of community, philanthropic, and industry-owned entities, IROs deliver high-impact research and solutions across local and global markets. IRANZ's submission underscores the unique contributions of IROs, which include:

• Government-Supported Origins: Entities like BRANZ and HERA, administering industry research levies, and Regional Research Institutes like the Bragato Research Institute.

• Independently Established: Research entities such as Motu, Aqualinc, M.E Research, and Te Tira Whakamātaki, founded by researchers identifying high-impact research needs.

• Philanthropic Foundations: Institutions like Cawthron, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, and Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, driven by philanthropic support.

• Corporate Entities: Organisations like WSP, which commercialize New Zealand research on a global scale.

Role in New Zealand’s SIT System

IROs are a significant pillar of New Zealand’s science system, essential for increasing business expenditure on research and development. With some IROs with origins dating back over 100 years, these organisations provide diverse, high-quality scientific outputs, directly engaging with end-users and fostering emerging researchers in tight-knit teams. The combined turnover of IRANZ members and associates stands at approximately $170 million annually, with significant portions of funding sourced from competitive government research investment and independent stakeholders.

Opportunities, Challenges, and Barriers

Opportunities:

• Interdisciplinary and International Collaboration: There are immense opportunities for fostering interdisciplinary and international collaborations, leveraging New Zealand’s niche research strengths (such as environmental science, agriculture, aquaculture, medical research, and biotechnology), and enhancing innovation and technology for economic growth.

Challenges:

• Funding Constraints: Limited research and innovation investment restrict the scope of projects and hinder infrastructure development.

• Brain Drain and Commercialisation Gap: The loss of talented researchers and the challenge of translating research into marketable products pose significant hurdles.

Barriers:

• Bureaucratic Hurdles and Fragmented Funding System: Complex processes and a fragmented funding environment impede efficient research conduct.

• Risk Aversion and Policy Constraints: A risk-averse culture and inflexible policies stifle innovation and hinder exploratory research.

IRANZ's submission to the SSAG advocates for a science system that prioritizes impact, excellence, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By recognizing and supporting IROs as vital components of New Zealand’s SIT ecosystem, the government can ensure a more inclusive, dynamic, and impactful research environment. The recommendations call for broader definitions, equitable funding, and a focus on impactful research, setting a vision for a sustainable, prosperous future for New Zealand’s science and innovation landscape.

“New Zealand is so vulnerable because our science system is so weak, we need to make sure that whatever is done, it doesn't damage this further.

“One of the philosophies that I think is sitting behind the panel is we've become too focused on the institutional health and not on the health of the knowledge. I think a large part of the system change that we're talking about is about the health and the development of the knowledge, be it for public good, for community good, for private good, for policy good, rather than the health of a CRI or the health of a university, even though obviously they have to be financially responsible.

“But there are incentives to level up the playing field for independent organisations as part of the system, which we haven't forgotten. I assure you we haven't forgotten, it's just the architect of the moment is thinking about the high level components of the system,” Sir Peter concluded.

IRANZ endorses the comments made by Sir Peter and looks forward to SSAG’s first report and working with SSAG and Sir Peter on enhancing broad socio-economic outcomes for all New Zealanders from New Zealand’s Science, Innovation and Technology system.