AIRE shares experience with the other side of the globe

AIRE hosted two representatives from New Zealand’s research and development sector, who came to explore Estonia’s experience and share their own. The visit was part of a two-week global tour spanning several countries. 

John Roche is Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, and Emma Blott has worked in several roles across the country’s research and innovation system. 

They shared that New Zealand is in the middle of its biggest research reform in 35 years. The existing public research system had grown thematic and fragmented, meaning that several similar structures existed and often operated in parallel, biomaterials being one example cited. 

Last year, the Prime Minister established a research and development advisory council aimed at setting clearer focus for the sector. Four focus areas have now been chosen for a more systemic approach: bioeconomy, environmental sustainability and resilience, technology, and quantum technology. 

New Zealand’s nature is distinctive, with many animal and plant species found nowhere else in the world, making effective protection essential, and the country has not been spared from the effects of climate change either. 

Evelin Ebruk and Martin Karner presented AIRE’s work and, in turn, heard about New Zealand’s experience. 

One question that came up repeatedly during the meeting was how to invest so that it leads to the outcome you actually want, so that impact is greater. Funding excellent science alone doesn’t always guarantee the expected impact. 

Drawing on AIRE’s own experience, Evelin Ebruk noted that AIRE started out with a narrow focus, on industry. It was a useful reminder for both sides that ecosystems grow and develop step by step, and that exchanging experience between countries brings real value.