King Colin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeKing Colin: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 16 October 2013. Volume:694;Page:13916. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]3.COLIN KING (National—Kaikōura) to theMinister of Science and Innovation: What recent announcements has the Government made about investment in the National Science Challenges?Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Science and Innovation): Recently I released the request for proposals for the first three National Science Challenges with $470 million worth of funding available over the next 10 years. The three challenges that will receive funding in the first tranche are: high-value nutrition up to $180.8 million over 10 years focusing on foods that develop health benefits and contribute to economic growth; resilience to nature’s challenges up to $201.4 million over 10 years strengthening New Zealand’s resilience to natural hazards; and the deep south up to $88.1 million over 10 years understanding how the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean affect our climate and the environment. The request for proposals for the first three challenges will close in December. Proposals will be assessed by an independent assessment panel and decisions on challenge proposals and funding allocation will be made by the Government’s science board. A request for proposals for the remaining seven challenges will be issued in February next year.Colin King: Why is the Government investing in National Science Challenges?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: The National Science Challenges are designed to take a more strategic approach to our science investment by targeting a series of medium and longer-term goals that if they are achieved would have a major and enduring benefit for our country. The challenges provide an opportunity to align and focus New Zealand’s research on large and complex issues by drawing scientists together from different institutions and across disciplines to achieve a common goal through collaboration. New Zealand has a complex and reasonably fragmented science system. Aligning and focusing research in this way will help the Government get better value from our investment in science and research.Colin King: What investment is the Government making in research science and innovation?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: A very good question. I know the Opposition never tires of hearing the answer. Research science and innovation are key drivers of economic growth. They make New Zealand businesses more competitive. We have increased total funding for science innovation and research across Government to $1.36 billion in thecurrent financial year up from $1 billion 4 years ago. In Budget 2013 we allocated an additional $75 million over 4 years for business research and development grants and $31 million over 4 years for repayable grants for start-up businesses. We have co-invested $684 million in the Primary Growth Partnership to co-fund 16 programmes with industry and we have established Callaghan Innovation to get our best scientific ideas out of the lab and into the market place sooner.Dr Megan Woods: How many of the 10 selected National Science Challenges explicitly seek to stimulate an innovative high-value manufacturing sector through investment in research in the physical sciences and engineering?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: There is one specific science challenge in the areas of technological innovation. Fortunately for the member there is a whole organisation called Callaghan Innovation—which she may have slept through being set up by the Government—which separate to the National Science Challenges is specifically devoted to developing research and development opportunities for New Zealand businesses. I believe it will be one of this Government’s proudest achievements.