Seizing the opportunity: Shaping a stronger future for research commercialisation in New Zealand
Hamilton NZ, 28 February 2025
As the combined power of the commercialisation arms of 19 universities and research organisations, KiwiNet has long championed the transformative potential of New Zealand science—its ability to change lives, strengthen the economy, and contribute to the world in meaningful ways.
As Aotearoa’s science system undergoes major reforms, the crucial question is: how can we seize this opportunity to build a system that drives even greater innovation and impact?
The release of the long-awaited Science System Advisory Group (SSAG) report, along with the Government’s response in January, has given our sector a lot to digest. Over the past weeks, we’ve been actively engaging with our stakeholders and the wider innovation ecosystem—listening to their insights, perspectives, and concerns.
Our thoughts are particularly with our Callaghan Innovation whānau and colleagues within the CRIs, who face significant upheaval as they navigate disestablishment and restructuring. These transitions have real human impacts, affecting many dedicated individuals committed to their missions.
While change is not without its challenges, there is also widespread recognition of the opportunities these reforms present—particularly the renewed focus on improving the commercial outcomes of research.
Embracing change with purpose
New Zealand already has world-class research and a strong foundation of collaboration—this is our chance to build on that momentum.
Our Commercialisation Partner Network (CPN) has a proven track record of translating research to real-world impact. Through this network, we bring together a wealth of experience and expertise—and we are ready to help shape a model that delivers for Aotearoa.
Now is the time to work together to design and deliver a system that aligns with New Zealand’s strengths and amplifies the impact of our innovation ecosystem.
The key to success will be thoughtful implementation, ensuring that reforms are well-supported and aligned with what works in practice. More than that, any changes must be backed by further public investment across the entire sector if we are to have any chance of success.
Three key areas to get right
1. Keeping a world-class tech transfer system
Strong tech transfer teams within universities and Crown Research Institutes (soon to become the newly-formed Public Research Organisations) are essential to turning great research into commercial success.
Researchers need the right support to develop commercial skills, access networks, and navigate the complexities of bringing ideas to market. As the engine that connects research with industry and investment, tech transfer offices (TTOs) play a pivotal role in this process.
We must ensure research organisations retain access to high-quality tech transfer capabilities as a critical part of the ecosystem.
The SSAG report correctly points out that research commercialisation does not generate a sustainable revenue stream for universities and CRIs—a reality backed by decades of international data and New Zealand’s own experience. Yet strong tech transfer, driven by highly skilled commercialisation professionals, is essential for generating successful commercial outcomes from public research.
For the reforms to succeed, TTOs need stable, sustainable funding—independent of shifting institutional priorities—or New Zealand risks losing critical expertise.
Under a new national IP model that shifts IP ownership to researchers, robust tech transfer and entrepreneurship support will be especially important, ensuring researchers are fully supported and empowered in walking the commercialisation journey.
2. More investment in research commercialisation
The best ideas in the world won’t make an impact without the right investment to help them grow. International experience shows that increasing commercialisation success requires not just policy change, but a corresponding increase in financial support.
Currently, less than 1% of funding in our science, innovation, and technology system is directed toward commercialisation. Increasing this proportion would enable significant step changes in commercialisation outcomes within the reformed science system.
More investment is needed to back the people, projects, and partnerships that drive innovation forward. A stronger financial commitment—both to research commercialisation and across the entire system—will create pathways for success that lead to tangible societal and economic benefits.
3. Co-designing the new IP model for success
A researcher-owned IP model alone won’t be a silver bullet. Not only will design and implementation be key, but we need a comprehensive system approach to ensure a thriving innovation pipeline.
Successful models overseas operate within strong ecosystems that provide funding for tech transfer and translation, commercialisation expertise, industry connections and entrepreneurship capability. These elements are vital for developing clear pathways to success and tangible commercial outcomes.
In looking at international frameworks, we’re inspired by the success of the TenU University Spinout Investment Terms (USIT) Guide and are eager to explore a similar collaborative effort in New Zealand. By working with the commercialisation community, researchers and investors, we can establish a shared set of parameters that support companies in spinning out effectively for long-term success.
Looking ahead: Working together for impact
KiwiNet and our partners have been working together effectively for years, and we know what it takes to turn research into meaningful impact. Our Commercialisation Partner Network has built strong relationships, facilitated successful collaborations, and helped shape New Zealand’s commercialisation landscape.
We’re excited about the future and committed to helping shape a research commercialisation system that delivers even greater impact for New Zealand. Now is the time to bring together the best ideas, experience, and talent to ensure these reforms create lasting benefits for our economy and society.