Govt can't give money away for tech grants

The Government literally can’t give money away with its much-hyped technology voucher system as Labour figures show just half of the money has been taken up, says Labour’s Associate Science spokesperson Megan Woods.

“John Key’s grand announcement of the Technology Voucher System in 2010 promised $20 million over four years to encourage high value development for small and medium sized enterprises, with co-funding of over $100,000 given to firms.

“It has failed. Less than $4 million in vouchers have been granted in two years, with just over one in three grants over $100,000.

“National’s science policy is so confusing some of our smartest scientists struggle to understand it. In contrast Labour’s policy of a research and development tax credit is simple, fair and easy to use.

“Labour is concerned that National’s new Advanced Technology Institute will be yet another grand gesture from the National government that fails to deliver the science and innovation results that New Zealand needs.

“The government needs to make sure the Advanced Technology Institute works for the New Zealand market and is going to make a real difference. We can’t afford another example of National shifting the deck chairs in the science and innovation sector for the sake of looking busy.

“Like so many New Zealanders scientists are disappointed in this Government. The science and technology community has no idea of what is happening around the Advanced Technology Institute; they feel locked out. Science and innovation needs to be an inclusive environment, where businesses, researchers and scientists are linked up, not left out in the cold.”