Science think tank named by Govt

By DANIEL RIORDAN

Prime Minister Helen Clark has chosen the nine members of her special think-tank that will help steer New Zealand's progress towards a knowledge economy.

Making up the Science and Innovation Advisory Council are:

chairman Rick Christie, chief executive of investment company Rangatira and deputy chairman of the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology; John Blackham, managing director of software developer Xsol;

Vicki Buck, development adviser to Christchurch Polytechnic and a former Mayor of Christchurch; Kate Frykberg, managing director of internet company The Web; Donna Hiser, chief executive of information consultancy Innovus; Michael Matthews, chief executive of Tatua Dairy Company; Stephen Tindall, managing director of The Warehouse; and Michael Walker, senior lecturer at Auckland University's School of Biological Sciences and a leading Maori scientist.

Most are also members of various business and scientific umbrella groups.

The council will meet every three months and report directly to Helen Clark, although its administration will be the responsibility of Research, Science and Technology Minister Pete Hodgson.

Its stated purpose is to increase the public status and recognition of scientists, science and innovation; promote a long-term, strategic direction for research, science and technology; build private-sector commitment to new science and technology policy; and enable coordination of Government science and innovation policies and community activities at the highest level.

Mr Hodgson said the main criteria for choosing the members from the 300 nominations received were creativity and independence.

"They share a wealth of experience and understanding of how New Zealand's innovation system functions and how it can be improved."

Council members enjoyed excellent networks around New Zealand and would draw on those to offer positive but also realistic advice.

Mr Christie said the council would have the ear of the Prime Minister and not be hesitant about expressing its views.

The naming of the council comes just days after Helen Clark stepped into the debate on Government funding of research and development.

Responding to criticism from many in the business community at the decision to provide grants rather than tax breaks, she said the upcoming overall review of the tax system may look further at the issue.

Wellington insiders say the Prime Minister is taking a closer interest in business issues following the business community's declining confidence in the Government's economic management.

Ideally, she would like the new think-tank to play a big role in reversing that decline.

On Saturday, the Weekend Herald examines New Zealand's drive towards the knowledge economy. How do we compare internationally, what roadblocks do we need to navigate, and how do we go about it?