Politicians need to be convinced about the benefits of increased research towards improving the health system, attendees at a symposium have been told.
The symposium was hosted by Medicines New Zealand, which represents drugs companies, and held in Wellington on Tuesday.
It was attended by many involved in clinical research, including pharmaceutical and medical technology firms, universities and district health boards.
Medicines New Zealand said it wants to see more clinical research done in this country, and that will benefit patients also.
The symposium heard that the local industry is worth at least $120 million a year, but faces growing competition internationally.
The Prime Minister's chief science adviser, Sir Peter Gluckman, said New Zealand will continue to do world-class clinical research, but careful thought and a better argument needs to go into how to boost it in future.
