Developments

Ron Johnston, Executive Director, Australian Centre for Innovation, University of Sydney The Office of Innovation and Science Australia released its review of the Australian innovation system this week, largely to a chorus of “heard it all before” from those close to the industry. Tony Peacock, CEO of the Cooperative Research Centres Association, likens it to a school report: Janey tries but she could do so much better. The report is designed to provide an informed basis for the promised strategic plan for enhancing Australia’s innovation, science and research system to 2030, due in late 2017. The score With a redolence of the famed management consultant Peter Drucker’s shibboleth that “what gets measured gets improved”, it includes a Performance Scorecard consisting of 20 measures assessing the state of knowledge creation, knowledge transfer and knowledge application. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, we do well in many aspects of knowledge creation, but we perform poorly when it comes to knowledge transfer and application. The report is an excellent compendium of reliable data on key aspects of the innovation, science and research system, including six “enablers”: money; infrastructure; skills; networks; culture; and policy. There will no longer be a need to recite the almost endless number of prior reports on this topic, at least where data are concerned. Knowledge creation scores its usual 9 out of 10 – a solid “A” on Janey’s report card. Comparatively high funding for research in universities, world class and internationally connected researchers and research infrastructure, but still no university in, or near, the global top 20. Knowledge transfer looks to come in at about 5 out of 10 – a worrying “C-”. There are few direct mechanisms to support knowledge transfer, under-utilisation of vocational education and training, and the notoriously low level of collaboration between researchers and industry. Knowledge application barely scrapes a 1 out of 10 – a […]

New Zealand has enjoyed good growth in average income since the global financial crisis.  Labour participation is strong and our public finances are in relatively good shape. But one area holding the economy back is our persistently weak labour productivity, with the OECD estimating that New Zealand had the fourth lowest labour productivity growth of OECD countries between 1995 and 2014. Fortunately New Zealand is in a good position to address this area of persistent weakness. Achieving New Zealand’s productivity potential is the Productivity Commission’s commentary on New Zealand’s productivity performance. The report shows that New Zealand needs to shift from a model based on working more hours per person to one that is focused on generating more value from time spent at work.  “With labour force participation forecast to decline with population ageing, the focus now needs to go on lifting productivity” says Paul Conway, Director of Economics and Research at the Productivity Commission. The report draws on powerful new data (the Longitudinal Business Database) to provide a fresh and practical insight on New Zealand’s productivity performance. “There is a view that some businesses stop growing once the owners achieve ‘the three Bs – a bach, boat and BMW’. But new evidence means we can look beyond this and better understand what in the business environment is holding back some Kiwi firms. We can measure the impact of small domestic markets, low levels of competition in services, and the role of barriers to export success, like market knowledge and financing.” says Mr Conway. With technology creating new opportunities for small and remotely-located firms, an important challenge is to improve the flexibility and resilience of the economy to make the most of important changes in the global economy. The Government has implemented a Business Growth Agenda (BGA) with the aim […]

Engineers take home an average of nearly $100,000 a year and their salaries are growing strongly, according to the annual IPENZ Remuneration Survey. Engineers’ median base salary grew by 6.3 per cent in the year to October 2016. According to Statistics New Zealand, average wage inflation in the year to June 2016 was 1.5 per cent. Engineers’ median base salary is $92,500, with another $5500 on top of that in bonus or other payments. The survey reveals that in the very first year of their career, engineers earn an average of $55,000 plus another $2000 in cash benefits. Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand Chief Executive Susan Freeman-Greene says engineers’ strong salary growth reflects demand for all types of engineers in every part of New Zealand. “New Zealand desperately needs more engineers. With huge growth and expanding range of opportunities, it’s an exciting time to be an engineer. “Engineering affects all New Zealanders. As well as being financially rewarding, an engineering career means you can make a positive, tangible difference to our society. “Engineers are driven by the desire to make the world better. Engineering is at the heart of every major technological and societal breakthrough – from smart phones to greener transport to robotic surgery. Engineering is all about making our lives better, easier and healthier. “We’re also seeing enormous growth at the intersection of engineering with big data. The Internet of Things connects objects and devices and will radically change how we work and live.” More than 3200 IPENZ members completed the IPENZ 2016 Remuneration Survey, which was sponsored by RobLawMax Recruitment. Just over 65 per cent of engineers surveyed also received non-cash benefits. The most common benefit was health insurance (32 per cent), followed by a car park (19 per cent ) and a car (18 per […]