Introduction
Economic Development Ministers
Advancing economic development requires concerted, coordinated effort across many portfolios and departments. Success depends on taking a broad, holistic view of how the economy works and on being persistent over time.
This overview briefing outlines key issues Economic Development Ministers will need to consider when devising their strategy to raise New Zealand's rate of economic growth. It describes how well we are performing, and areas for further focus in four key areas:
- fostering innovation
- strengthening international linkages
- infrastructure and energy supply
- regulatory environment for business growth
Making substantial improvements in these areas requires effort within all the portfolios serviced by the Ministry: Commerce; Communications and Information Technology; Consumer Affairs; Economic Development; Energy; Industry and Regional Development; Small Business; and Tourism. But it also depends on initiatives taken in a range of other areas, such as research and technology development, the education and training system, migration, taxation and regulations that impact on business.
Ministers need to set priorities for action across this broad range of activity, and to ensure that new initiatives are mutually reinforcing in advancing the government's economic strategy.
As the government's principal advisor on economic development strategy, the Ministry has practical experience of advising on and implementing economic development policies. This broad overview draws on that experience.
It is supplemented by more detailed briefing papers on each portfolio and Vote supported by the Ministry. Those portfolio briefings spell out immediate and medium-term decisions and issues for each Minister. This overview briefing paints the bigger picture into which all those decisions need to fit.
Geoff Dangerfield
Chief Executive
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