The Final Frontier? New Zealand engagement with the European Union in the field of research, science and technology

Type of content
Theses / Dissertations
Publisher's DOI/URI
Thesis discipline
European Studies
Degree name
Master of Arts
Publisher
University of Canterbury. National Centre for Research on Europe
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
Date
2008
Authors
Deerness-Plesner, Gina Eleanor Mary
Abstract

This dissertation endeavours to address an identified gap in literature concerning the relationship between New Zealand and the European Union (EU) in the field of research, science and technology (RS&T). Examination of the partnership begins with the creation of the Science and Technological Cooperation (STC) Arrangement in 1991 and comes to a close in 2008, following the Arrangement’s ‘upgrade’ to an STC Agreement on 16 July. During this time, the intensification of the EU’s activities in RS&T is evident. The Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) currently constitutes the most internationalised Programme to date. Identifying the complementary nature of New Zealand and EU research priorities thus suggests that now, more than ever, the New Zealand research community stands to gain from participation within such an inclusive venture.

Aiming to assess the current status of New Zealand-EU research collaboration, the research identifies a number of recurring themes, both positive and negative, that influence the nature of the RS&T relationship. These themes focus on problems concerning visibility within the EU, geographical isolation from this important market, an absence of targeted domestic funding for New Zealand-EU RS&T collaboration and the unwieldy bureaucratic process of the Framework Programme. The research also determines the importance of both ‘official’ and ‘informal’ mechanisms’ in combating the outlined collaborative bottlenecks. Taking these themes into account, the thesis ultimately looks to provide recommendations concerning the future of New Zealand-EU engagement in this field.

Description
Citation
Keywords
New Zealand European Union relations, European Union Framework Programme, Framework Programme Seven, research science and technology, research and development, research collaboration, European Union external relations, constructivism, normative power
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Rights
Copyright Gina Eleanor Mary Deerness-Plesner