Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) are the largest providers of science research in New Zealand and play an important role in enhancing economic growth and environmental well-being. As at 30 June 2008, CRIs were responsible for $669.2 million of assets and generated $642.7 million in revenue annually. Collectively, CRIs employed more than 4000 staff. About 3500 of these staff were employed in science or research roles.
The ability to attract and retain staff − especially researchers, scientists, and technicians − is critically important for CRIs. Changing staff demographics, shortages of skilled workers, and increased globalisation in the labour market are creating a tight labour market. Given this environment, CRIs are facing staffing challenges that could affect the sustainability of their work.
We carried out a performance audit to examine how the CRIs were planning their workforces to manage their capability.