The Navigator Network
The Navigator Network was an initiative
funded by and in association with the Ministry of Research Science and
Technology.
The purpose of the Network was to provide
'early alerts' to emerging areas of science and technology (with a
particular emphasis on biotechnology and nanotechnology). These early
alerts provided opportunities for some pro-active thinking about
possible implications of such developments for New Zealand and inputs for policy and operations across government. The four major scanning reports produced by the Network over 2005-07 can be found on the Resources page of this site.
The Network considered both
advances in science, and developments in the social, political and
ethical dimensions of the context for science.
Outputs from the scanning process, to be continued by MORST from July 07, are of interest to policy-makers, science and sector leaders, and researchers.
Membership of the Navigator Network
The Navigator Network was an initiative funded by and in association with the Ministry of Research Science and Technology.
The purpose of the Network was to provide 'early alerts' to emerging areas of science and technology (with a particular emphasis on biotechnology and nanotechnology). These early alerts provided opportunities for some pro-active thinking about possible implications of such developments for New Zealand and will provide inputs for policy and operations across government.
The Network considered both advances in science, and developments in the social, political and ethical dimensions of the context for science. These outputs are of interest to policy-makers, science and sector leaders, and researchers. Over 150 people around New Zealand and internationally have become informal Members of the Network, receiving reports and newsletters and taking part in seminars. If you are interested in the ongoing science futurewatch process in New Zealand, please contact the Ministry of Research Science and Technology or visit www.morst.govt.nz
Who was involved?
The Network was set up as a pilot programme from July 2005 - June 2007 by independent researchers Dr Barbara Nicholas and Karen Cronin, under a contract with the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MoRST). The project team included a MoRST policy adviser, Jane Cameron, and was guided by a Steering Group of individuals from government, science, and industry. See www.morst.govt.nz/futurewatch for details.
The project commissioned 13 "scanners" to provide regular reports on trends in their sector. They include specialised scientists and people with expertise in areas such as business, the environment, social, cultural and political issues. They also work with people tracking developments in the government policy sector. Special reports and case studies have been published on key topics and trends - see the Resources page on this site.
Scanners
The first group of scanners was appointed. See media release. From July 2007 the scanning process will be managed internally by MoRST.
Role of scanners
[Download
Scanner Job Description as DOC (right click and save 'target'
or 'link')]
The 'core scanning group' were 10-12 scientists and other lead thinkers, in a range of disciplines and institutions, and with research projects in a diversity of fields. They provided regular scanning reports and were major contributors to identifyemergent areas. The groupalso interacted with policy and sector contributors to the scanning process.
Issues identified by the core scanning network provided raw material for additional workshops and seminars with the wider research and policy communities.
Objective:
To strengthen ways for New Zealand to
foresee and make timely responses to emerging issues and opportunities
relevant to biotechnology and other emerging science and technologies.
Aims:
Support discussion and a collective
understanding of new and emerging science and technologies, how they
may influence New Zealand’s future, and what actions may be
required to address their challenges and opportunities.
Gather, synthesise and share information and
support linkages in the exchange and convergence of ideas between
policy and science communities.
Support the development of a culture of
early thinking across government and more broadly.
Develop, apply and profile a New Zealand
approach to environmental scanning.
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