Research and Development   Overview The Forum workshops covering water and research and development were combined to make the most of limited resources and maintain good numbers for discussion groups. Research and Development The Rotorua economy is based on forestry and farming along with the service industry of tourism. Global commodity markets and exchange rates cause market fluctuations in forestry and farming. In both these sectors Rotorua companies aim to add value to the core resources where possible to create higher value, less commodity driven products. Globalisation and increased competition from low cost producers such as China create an even greater need to look for ways to add value to commodity products, and to develop production processes and technologies needed to add value and compete globally. Research and development are key to achieving this. The BrightEconomy Advisory Board will work with the key stakeholders within the region and in NZ to raise the awareness of this important but often overlooked aspect of business. The Board will create pathways to help ensure that Rotorua businesses have access to research and development. Workshop summary BrightEconomy Board members Lachlan McKenzie and Tupara Morrison facilitated the water/R&D workshop. Participants questioned ownership of the water in Rotorua and asked whether the Board knows the long-term quality and quantity of water required? Suggestions included focusing on the marketable value of water for such activities as boating and rafting. One barrier to export is freight cost, as water is heavy. Extensive discussion of R&D included suggestions to reduce barriers that discourage SMEs from using research and development agencies. Suggestions centred on funding and information Points included: Important to identify challenges to local businesses Need to protect ownership of ideas Communication between stakeholders is crucial Link needed between R&D and commercialisation. To download R&D/water workshop details, click below Forum - Research and Development /Water Presentation Forum - Research and Development / Water notes The way forward The Board has undertaken to mount an R&D profile raising campaign and produce a clear Rotorua R&D funding access programme by March 2007. SME s: Capitalising on Research Recently the BrightEconomy Advisory Board released their nine point Rotorua economic development framework for growth, of which Research & Development has been identified as one of the core six Areas of Focus. Our aim around the project is to assist in raising the awareness of and access to resources that enables Rotorua Small/Medium Enterprises to utilise Research & Development a as viable business growth tool. We are also driving to position Rotorua as the Innovation Hub of the Bay of Plenty/South Waikato. This forum was designed to assist you and us in identifying some of the barriers and possible solutions to Small/Medium Enterprises utilising Research & Development as a core business growth element. Scion Presentation  New Zealand Trade & Enterprise Presentation  Foundation for Research Science and Technology Presentation