Biotechnology in New Zealand

Biotechnology is an important and growing industry in New Zealand and this was highlighted when it was chosen as one of three sectors prioritised under the Government's Growth and Innovation Framework (now evolved into the Economic Transformation Programme).

New Zealand's geography, isolation and early economic base of agriculture, horticulture and forestry helped to set the scene for biotechnological research and investment in these areas. Combined with a sense of innovation and entrepreneurialism, New Zealand's biotechnology industry has flourished, such that it is now a world leader in certain sectors.

For a good summary of what New Zealand's biotech industry offers, see The New Zealand Biotechnology Strengths booklet put out by the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology.