Biotechnology Research Roadmap - Science and Innovation

3.3 Meeting the global challenge
Biotechnology research is an international endeavour
and the vast majority of research breakthroughs and
knowledge generated will occur outside of New
Zealand. The markets for most of the products
resulting from biotechnology research in New Zealand
are also predominantly located offshore.
To capitalise from these international dimensions,
New Zealand needs to maintain a broad base of
research capabilities to adopt and adapt international
biotechnologies for the benefit of New Zealanders,
while also ensuring that applied biotechnology
research is cognisant of, and connected to, global
research partners and markets.
New Zealand’s geographical isolation will always make
this a challenge and limited resources means that
partnership efforts need to be focused on countries
and markets where New Zealand can gain the greatest
value. The government has invested significant effort
in tailoring international biotechnology research and
market linkage initiatives in those areas that have the
potential to maximise benefits for New Zealand.
The government’s international research linkage
initiatives take the form of bi and multilateral
Science and Technology Cooperation agreements
(STCs) with priority nations and fora 35 and the
placement of Science and Technology Counsellors in
strategic locations. 36 The formation of biotechnology
research links forms an explicit part of some of these
relationships, for example, the S&T Counsellor
for Europe has the development of agriculture and
biotechnology research linkages as a priority area. The
Korea Focal Point Programme also has the field of
biotechnology as one of its focus areas for exchange.
The government also recognises that different
regions provide different market opportunities for
New Zealand biotechnology products and services.
Biotechnology trade and export promotion efforts are
focused accordingly. For example, the:
• European and Japanese markets present
opportunities for New Zealand developed
innovative foods;
• South America and China present large emerging
markets for New Zealand developed agricultural
biotechnology innovations; and
• the United States is the dominant player in the
international community in terms of markets
and capital – notably for health biotechnology
opportunities.
Australia is a particularly important international
biotechnology partner for New Zealand. Significant
efforts have been made to create more effective
biotechnology research and industry partnerships with
Australia to build critical mass at a regional level to
benefit both countries. 37
35
For further information see: Making the Connection – MoRST’s International Linkages Strategy 2005-2007: http://www.morst.govt.nz/Documents/work/international/NZ-
International-Linkages-Strategy.pdf
36
Science and Technology Counsellors are currently located in the United States and the European Union.
37
Examples include the Australia-New Zealand Biotechnology Alliance: http://www.biotechalliance.org/ and the Australia-New Zealand Biotechnology Partnership Fund:
http://www.nzte.govt.nz
18 Roadmaps for Science : biotechnology research