06.08.2026
New Zealand needs to make science, technology and innovation a more central part of its international strategy, according to a new book including a chapter by Koi Tū Director Sir Peter Gluckman and Deputy Director Hema Sridhar.
Their chapter, Innovation, technology, and New Zealand’s evolving approach to science diplomacy, appears in Against the Tide: Aotearoa New Zealand in World Affairs, Volume V, 2006–2025.
The chapter examines how New Zealand has used science diplomacy over the past 20 years and why it will become increasingly important as technological competition and geopolitical tensions grow.
New Zealand cannot develop or control every advanced technology it will need. As a small and geographically isolated country, it will depend on international relationships for access to knowledge, research infrastructure, investment, talent and capabilities in areas including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and biotechnology.
Sir Peter and Hema highlight previous successes, including scientific cooperation in Antarctica, the establishment of the New Zealand Space Agency, New Zealand’s pandemic response and the use of scientific evidence to address trade barriers.
They also note that these successes have often been ad hoc. Compared with other small advanced economies, New Zealand has limited science and technology expertise embedded in its diplomatic system and lacks a sufficiently coordinated approach across science, foreign policy, trade and industry.
The chapter sets out the case for rebuilding New Zealand’s science diplomacy capability, developing more strategic international partnerships and making greater use of scientific experts and envoys.
“New Zealand must remain bold and outward-looking in a multipolar world that may turn inwards,” the authors conclude.
Against the Tide: Aotearoa New Zealand in World Affairs, Volume V, 2006–2025 was launched in Auckland on 4 August, with Sir Peter and Hema joining its editors and other contributors for an expert panel discussion.
A Wellington launch event is being held on 11 August. Read more and register for the Wellington launch here.
