IRL helps boost business R&D

IRL’s recently launched Scientist for a Day programme is already helping companies across New Zealand transform their businesses.

More than 30 companies from industries as diverse as seafood, electronics, engineering and recycling have been accepted into the six-month programme, which provides them with a hands-on, no-cost and face-to-face interaction with IRL.

Fred Allen of local Stokes Valley company Kiwi Herbs Limited has signed up to be part of the programme and is looking forward to the opportunity.

“I am sure it will be helpful to the development of my business and I’m looking forward to the collaboration.

Kiwi Herbs Limited specialises in products and goods derived from New Zealand native plants and other biological material.

IRL General Manager Industry Engagement Gavin Mitchell says the programme is encouraging companies to think about what research and development (R&D) can do for them, and whether their R&D is focused in the right areas.

"Several international studies have established a link between a company's R&D spend and a whole range of benefits including improved sales growth, productivity and market value.“

By taking part in Scientist for a Day, companies are becoming much more aware of the difference that tangible scientific support can make to the value of their business.

"Mitchell says the visits are focusing on a variety of subjects: an existing problem, analysing and improving a product or process, developing an opportunity, evaluating the potential for innovation, or any other specific, well-defined idea.

They are taking place either at company premises or at an IRL laboratory and are followed up with a business potential for innovation report from IRL.

“We are heartened by the level of uptake of this programme as it demonstrates the desire for New Zealand companies to innovate.”

The Scientist for a Day programme is just one of a range of IRL activities aimed at boosting the level of private sector R&D in New Zealand. These include IRL's What's Your Problem New Zealand? competition, its Co-Investment Programme and its part in the government's Technology Transfer Voucher scheme.