Greater insight into research and development

Research and Development in New Zealand: 2006 was released by Statistics New Zealand today. This technical report follows a release of high level results on 25 June 2007. It gives a greater insight into the nature of research and development (R&D) activities in New Zealand.


The report provides a fuller picture of what lies behind the earlier reported 10 percent increase in R&D expenditure between 2004 and 2006. Further detail on the expenditure breakdown shows salaries and wages is the largest component, accounting for just over half of total R&D expenditure. Salaries and wages expenditure increased 13 percent in dollar value terms over the reference period.


New Zealand businesses' R&D expenditure increased by 13 percent between 2004 and 2006. However, New Zealand's R&D expenditure as a proportion of GDP (0.40 percent) remains lower than other OECD countries, and is approximately a third of the OECD average. The corresponding proportions for Australia, Norway and Ireland were 0.94, 0.87 and 0.82 percent of GDP, respectively, although these relate to the 2004 reference year.

The report contains additional detailed information for those interested in the nature of R&D activities in New Zealand. There is previously unreleased information on employment and the overall scientific research industry. Also, previous results are presented with much greater levels of detail.


The R&D Survey 2006 was run by Statistics NZ jointly with the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MoRST). The next survey will be run in 2008.

For more information, and to download Research and Development in New Zealand: 2006, please go to the research and development page at www.statistics.govt.nz.