Farm and station

Press, 20 October 1978, Page 5

Farm and station

The route by which improved technology comes to some of New Zealand’s largest industries is a scientific research association, which carries out research and development for the industry on a cooperative basis. Research associations are likely to become a more integral part of more New Zealand industries. The cost of sophisticated research instruments and of the highly qualified professional staff necessary to develop new technology or adapt advanced technology from overseas makes it unlikely that many New Zealand firms will grow so large that they can do all their research alone.

The largest — the Dairy Research Institute, the Meat Industry Research Institute and the Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand — all have annual budgets of between one and two million dollars. Directors and chairmen of research associations meet annually to help one another develop their management and research performance and plan for the future. One of the features of these meetings is an inspection of the host’s laboratory facilities.

and a review of its main projects with a view to fostering collaboration between research associations themselves. This year the Wool Research Organisation was host for the meeting.

Dr E. I. Robertson, Director-General of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, presented a review of strategies for increasing research into processing of land and sea based products — one of the most promising areas for economic growth for New Zealand. He asked directors of research associations to assist in. this by reviewing possibilities in their own industries.

Another topic at the conference was a draft handbook on the management of research associations for guidance in the formation of new research associations, and for new members of their management committees.

This publication originated from a suggestion by the director of WRONZ, Mr N. F. Roberts, who has retired after a long career in the management of research and development. In considering the management of research

associations, Mr Roberts stressed the important role the chairman can play. He must commend himself to industry, scientific staff, and the Government. Mr Roberts considered the speed with which WRONZ had reached the stage of being a profitable research investment was due, in large measure, to the outstandingly suitable men the Wool Board had been able to provide as its chairmen. They were Mr

C. H. Bethell. 1961-64, the late Mr L. P. Chapman. 1964-75, and the present chairman, Mr A. G. Lawrence, who has held the office since 1975. Another session of the conference dealt with patents and their use in getting new technology taken up, assisting in exports and deriving royalty income. Dairy Research Institute royalty income exceeds $70,000 per year.