Polytech partner in collaboration

Otago Polytechnic is one of the founding partners in a collaborative national network promoting polytechnic services to industry.

Innovating New Zealand, through new website www.innovatingnz.org.nz, had been designed to connect companies with a range of design, prototyping and research services, as well as specialist advice and staff training, the partners said in a statement.

The participating institutions are Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, Manukau Institute of Technology, Otago Polytechnic, Unitec in Auckland, Waikato Institute of Technology and Wellington Institute of Technology.

Participation would be extended to regional polytechnics next year.

The project has been funded by the Tertiary Education Commission through its Supporting and Encouraging Innovation Fund.

Innovation was seen as a key driver in increasing New Zealand's long-term economic performance and international competitiveness, the statement said.

Among the Otago Polytechnic services listed were the Evolver Project, which funds people with promising product and business ideas and provides them with the expertise and equipment to advance those ideas through the design and prototype phases, the Product Development Centre and the Applied Design Research Centre.

Innovation also encompassed improvements to business operations and organisational capabilities. and it was those areas where the polytechnics could really add value to businesses, Otago Polytechnic chief executive Phil Ker said in a statement.

Polytechnics were a valuable source of knowledge and expertise for business, particularly in areas such as strategic development, human resources, workplace communication and management training, he said.