The National Party is promising to pour millions more dollars into science if it leads the next government.
State science agency Industrial Research Ltd (IRL) would be the main benefactor of the money to transform itself into an advanced technology institute.
In its science policy announced on Thursday, National wants to double the institute's staff numbers to 700 in five years at a cost of up to $150 million.
[image:3587:full]Leader John Key says the funding is aimed at better connecting science and business.
"We are very committed to building the hi-tech sector. It's going to affect some significant parts of the New Zealand economy in the areas of IT, robotics, manufacturing. And we're keen to see New Zealand earn greater export dollars and, on that basis, we think it's a worthwhile investment."
It is the only new spending National is planning to announce in the run-up to the election on 26 November, aside from on health and education.
Mr Key says the money for science has been fully costed and comes from the new operating allowance in the 2012 Budget.
Tax credit better option - Labour
Labour leader Phil Goff on Thursday criticised National's science plans as far less effective than a tax credit his party would introduce, if elected.
"A research and development tax credit, which Labour will be putting in place, will be far more effective in promoting innovation and the development of those industries that what he's putting in.
"The first thing National did was cut the expenditure on research and development, yet we spend per head of population a third less than comparable countries on research and development."
The Association of Scientists' vice-president says a combination of both National and Labour's policies is needed to generate economic growth.
Professor Shaun Hendy says National's science announcement also flags a looming shortage of engineers, but is quiet on how to bridge the gap.
In 2010, the Crown Research Institute Taskforce called for agencies such as IRL to be allocated much more money on a long-term basis. Taskforce chairperson Neville Jordan says National's announcement is an excellent step.
Industrial Research Limited is not commenting about National's plans for its expansion, nor is the Prime Minister's chief science adviser Sir Peter Gluckman, saying it would be inappropriate to do so during an election campaign.
