Simon Bridges National MP simonbridges.co.nz

New Zealanders are innovative, it's in our DNA.

We're breeding the best livestock on the planet, we designed the first jet boat, and we invented the bungy. We're building world-class health software and we're at the forefront of digital visual effects for the movie industry.

Our productive sector and our niche companies provide the world with high-quality unique products.

I see this all the time in Tauranga. As a local MP it is my privilege to regularly visit businesses in the area. I do this through my association with Export Bay of Plenty and also when I have an interest in something I have heard about or when a business contacts me.

Our local companies come in all shapes and sizes but I'm constantly impressed at how they combine enthusiasm and expertise to develop amazing things that can now be found all over the globe.

National knows how important it is to stay ahead of the global competition so we can build a more competitive and productive economy that creates jobs, lifts incomes, and boosts the standard of living of Kiwi families.

We have an ambitious science and innovation agenda. This includes our half a billion dollar investment in the Primary Growth Partnership to develop cutting edge research and innovation in our rural industries. More than 30 countries are now part of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases that we set up in 2009 to look at ways to grow more food without increasing emissions.

Last week we took another step, unveiling the Advanced Technology Institute – New Zealand's ‘hi-tech HQ' – which will help get our best ideas out of the lab and into the marketplace faster.

The institute builds on our science and innovation programme that has seen New Zealand climb from 28th on the Global Innovation Index five years ago to be 13th today. We are third in Asia behind Singapore and Hong Kong and well ahead of our Australian neighbours at 23rd.

The Advanced Technology Institute takes in Industrial Research Ltd. It will be based in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, and it will become a good career option for our brightest young scientists, engineers, designers, and technicians.

As part of Budget 2012, the Government has allocated $166 million over four years for the institute.

National is committed to unlocking the potential of our world-class scientists, and plugging them into businesses and the global marketplace. We want to better connect business with our Crown Research Institutes, universities, polytechnics, and other research organisations.

The Advanced Technology Institute will focus on industries with significant growth potential such as food and beverage manufacturing, agri-technologies, digital technologies, health technologies and therapeutics manufacturing, and high-value wood products.

National wants to see more Kiwi business success stories. We believe bridging the gap between business, science, engineering, and design is the way to turn ideas into products and products into more jobs and higher incomes for Kiwis.