Biotechnology opportunities
Biotechnology now plays a central role in a broad range of fundamental and applied research, including:
- developing medicines and other therapeutic products
- understanding diseases and other biological processes
- forensics
- changing or improving animal and plant production
- production of more effective enzymes or other proteins or compounds for industrial purposes
- environmental monitoring and management
Consequently, many countries are investing heavily (with both public and private funding) in biotechnology research, development and commercialisation. You can find out more about future potential developments, opportunities and challenges associated with biotechnology on MoRST's website.
Biotechnology has been identified by the New Zealand government as an area with the potential to make significant positive contributions to the economic and social well being of New Zealand, and so is included in the government's Growth and Innovation Framework.
MoRST's website has examples of the types of biotechnology undertaken in New Zealand, while profiles of New Zealand biotechnology companies are available from NZBio.
MoRST has also produced a report called Biotechnologies to 2025 that describes global trends and drivers in biotechnologies.
The Biotechnology Learning Hub provides resources for teachers and students on biotechnology in New Zealand.
