The Knowledge Economy in New Zealand

Abstract

Emanating from its ‘last bus stop on the planet’ remoteness, New Zealand has traditionally faced significant barriers to the development of its export base. In the new knowledge-based economies, many of these barriers no longer apply. In order to take advantage of this new global environment and turn around its declining economic performance, New Zealand must take a number of key steps. The authors propose an approach that will enable the country to develop a knowledge-based advanced technology sector that will: specialize in niche products; be flexible and responsive; have a range of products and services across a number of industrial sectors; and have a global market focus. In proposing this solution, they focus on the respective roles of government, industry, research providers and education providers, and make recommendations accordingly.