EMBARGOED: BUDGET 2017: Govt ups spending on science and innovation

EMBARGOED: BUDGET 2017:  Govt ups spending on science and innovation
Rebecca Howard
By Rebecca Howard May 25 (BusinessDesk) - (BusinessDesk) – Finance Minister Steven Joyce announced a $373 million increase in spending for science and innovation in a bid to help diversify the economy support more jobs and higher wages. “It’s all about adding more value to our export volumes. Investment in innovation is hugely important for lifting our productivity and providing for our future prosperity,” said Joyce in a speech while presenting the 2017 budget. The increase – part of the Innovative New Zealand programme – includes the...