Science Policy Reforms: The New Zealand Experience

Abstract

Changes in science policy are taking place in industrialized democracies throughout the world. This paper is concerned with the implications of these changes for the content and conduct of publicly-funded science and research. We start from the view that science policy changes are related to wider changes in the role of government, and in the structure, organization and management of the public sector. New Zealand has attracted international attention in this context because of its commitment to a radical programme of public sector reforms. While this reflects similar developments and concerns elsewhere, the New Zealand experience is especially interesting because of the rigour with which policy has been implemented, the radical nature of the changes made, and the relatively short time-span involved. Thus, in focusing on New Zealand, we hope to present material of interest both there and to a wider audience.