Wellington
As one who cut his business teeth in commercial radio, super-minister Steven Joyce will knowbetter than most about the importance of appealing to peoples’ hearts and minds.
Now, Mr Joyce may be formulating a super science and innovation plan as we speak – however,there’s a suspicion he’s stuck in the middle at the moment.
But the middle’s no place to inspire the masses or ignite the innovation and income generatingpotential that (hopefully) is lurking in us.
So, for what its worth then Mr Joyce, sticK’s two cents worth.
Whatever you reckon we’re going to do, be able to state it in a sentence.
That is, 'we’re going to concentrate on this, this and this, back it up with that, and helpdrive promising Kiwi ideas to global scale'.
One sentence, otherwise you lose all of us.
One sentence, and you can build all the other developments required from a logical place, aconsistent reference point.
Second, the
Undoubtedly you’re chewing your way through how to, practically, bring some of these intobeing.
Getting the many ducks in the mix to fly in formation will be quite a challenge.
They range from ‘encouraging’ universities to deliver more of the STEM (science, technology,engineering, mathematics) graduates that the country needs more than hairdressers, through toallowing IRL to transform itself into an Advanced Technology Institute.
(On that note though, if rumours that a stocktake of IRL’s capabilities includes minutiaedetail such as its lease arrangements are true, the big picture’s certainly being missedhere).
Powering Innovation made recommendation #13 one of the long term strategic priorities.
Recommendation 13
Form a Science and Innovation Council, led from a very seniorministerial level in Government, with representatives from the university, public and privateresearch organisations and from industry. Members should represent a wide range of science andtechnology themes, including the social sciences. The role of the Science and Innovation Councilshould be to establish a national innovation strategy and advise on science and innovation policyand priorities.
However, if we’re thinking hearts and minds Minister, do this now, do it first.
There would be no greater indication that we’re serious about creating prosperity than havingsuch a council.
It is exactly what the exemplar countries such as Denmark, Finland and Singapore hove done.
And the moment you did if for New Zealand is the instant you’d indicate to the country thatyou’re serious about driving growth by using our brains.
Given that perception is reality, the formation of such a S&I council would be the best wayto get the ducks flying in formation.
It would also get you out of that middle muddle.
Currently there’s a feeling that we’re trying to build a train (engines and carriages), buthaven’t laid the track. That’s the wrong way round.
But the two simple ideas suggested fix that.
Sort out a single sentence Steven that simply states what we’re going to do.
Create a science and innovation council.
Then, you’ll gather our hearts and minds and provide the most powerful indication possible thatwe’re on an exciting journey - together.