| Communications and Development |  |
Published by Communications and Development
Six projects involving staff from the University of Canterbury have been awarded more than $6 million in the inaugural round of the Encouraging and Supporting Innovation Fund.
One project, which is a collaboration with Lincoln University and the University of Otago, has been awarded $3 million – the round’s largest single allocation.
It builds on the achievements of a joint UC and Lincoln University programme designed to develop entrepreneurial skills in science students through partnerships with local industry.
Canterbury University's project leader Adjunct Professor Bill Swallow is delighted the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), which administers the fund, has recognised the efforts of all three universities in constructing such an innovative and credible programme.
"Our goal is to creatively leverage the research and intellectual capacity of the three South Island universities and help effect a major change in culture to one which actively promotes entrepreneurship.
"The project will help facilitate the capture of intellectual property and develop technology-based businesses through which we aim to help catalyse the economic transformation of NZ. We will also see a stream of business-savvy New Zealand graduates," he says.
The five other projects UC is involved with cover a broad range of areas.
One seeks to rejuvenate and economically transform the seafood industry through research and teaching collaborations, and postgraduate research.
The National Energy Research Institute will improve energy-related education, support collaborative research and create strong links between the research community and the energy sector.
The New Zealand Centre for Sustainable Cities will work in partnership with city and regional councils on smart economic development; sustainable housing, transport and energy systems; and enhanced urban design to promote well-being and good health in communities.
Te Ipukarea - a new National Māori Language Institute - will pursue excellence in scholarship, teaching and research in the Māori language. This will include the development and advancement of a digital strategy for the creation, delivery and assessment of te reo Māori curriculum and the collection and dissemination of mātauranga Māori.
A new National China Research Centre will focus on new knowledge and skills relating to marketing and business management in China; the legal framework for business in China; international law issues in NZ-China relations; and China’s role as a global political and economic power.
UC Vice-Chancellor Professor Roy Sharp has congratulated those involved in the projects which have been awarded funding.
"This is significant recognition not only of the University of Canterbury's strengths, but also the strong linkages our staff have with their colleagues at other institutions and industry. I am looking forward to seeing the outcomes of their work."
The TEC says the new fund has a strong focus on collaborative projects.
Its Chief Executive Janice Shiner says supporting and encouraging innovation is vital for New Zealand’s economic transformation and ongoing social and cultural development.
“We need to find more advanced and sustainable ways of doing things to ensure New Zealand continues to prosper in the increasingly competitive global marketplace.
“The Encouraging and Supporting Innovation Fund supports tertiary education organisations to undertake new projects that will improve the transfer of knowledge between the tertiary sector and industry, and encourage students to study at higher levels.”
For further information please contact:
John MacDonald
Corporate Affairs Manager
University of Canterbury
Ph: (03) 364 2910
Mobile:
021 417 289
john.macdonald@canterbury.ac.nz