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International relationships

This gazetted document is the Ministerial Direction for investing Foundation funds in the International Relationships Research Scheme from 1 July 2010.   

Objectives of the Scheme

The objective of the scheme is to effectively leverage international research, science, and technology relationships through increased participation by New Zealand in the global science arena. 

The Scheme will support research, science and technology that is intended to be of benefit to New Zealand and will enhance New Zealand’s credibility.

The Scheme will aim to develop reciprocal funding schemes with our priority countries.

Indicators of success

If successful, the Scheme will generate and support the uptake of research, science and technology that will strengthen the international connectivity of New Zealand’s science capabilities internationally by:

  • increased  connectivity relationships with science teams from New Zealand and abroad in areas of science priorities and potential economic growth, and 
  • enhanced existing and establish new reciprocal funding schemes in order to provide maximum benefits for New Zealand’s research sector focusing on the priority areas in MoRST’s International Strategy 2009–2012.

The above indicators will be measured by the Foundation at a sector level and will provide some indication of the success of the Scheme through regular evaluations.

Nature of the Scheme

The scheme will achieve its objectives by supporting research, science and technology in the following  area:

  1. Bilateral Partnerships – winding down the commitment to co-invest with international partners in research programmes under IIOF.  
  2. Increase the access to funding, scientific skills and technological capabilities that New Zealand is able to source from other countries.

Tools for Allocating Funding

Research, science and technology supported under this Scheme must in each case fit the following Tool (PDF; 313kb):

  • Science-led contestable funding – investing through a contestable process in research, science and technology and related activities.

Estimated Funding

An estimate of the amount of funds required to be allocated by the Foundation for the purposes of the Scheme is $4.18 million in 2010/11, excluding GST.  Actual funding available will be published each year in the annual Estimates of Appropriation.

Estimated Period of Operation

I estimate that the Scheme will operate for a minimum of three years from 1 July 2010; however, I anticipate reviewing this notice by 1 July 2011.

Monitoring Agency

The Ministry of Research, Science and Technology will monitor and review the Scheme.

Performance Measures

Annual performance measures for the Scheme will be published in the annual Estimates of Appropriation.  Additional performance measures to measure progress will be specified in the Output Agreement.