• A nation known for sustainable, equitable outcomes
  Aotearoa NZ has an international reputation for being sustainable and equitable, e.g. recognising the Whanganui River as a legal person. This ‘reputation’ often gives our innovation a positive distinction, with many examples of Kiwi ventures embracing sustainable practices and innovations that are a response to environmental problems (e.g. clean energy, regenerative ocean farming). Outdated funding models, entrenched systems and silos however are still a handbrake to scaling. 

• Māori culture and innovation focuses on delivering a better world - for generations
  Integrating Māori knowledge and values into business and policy-making is seen as a key strategy for enhancing sustainability and cultural resilience. While there is a desire to integrate Māori values and knowledge into business strategies, ensuring early, authentic engagement, and equitable opportunities and benefits for Māori remains a challenge.

• A ‘baked-in’ Kiwi mindset is limiting our potential
  Tall poppy syndrome, an unhealthy relationship with failure, and a focus on product above building scalable businesses, means we often dream small, take fewer risks and enter markets we perceive to be easy rather than those primed for growth. 

• A relatively young and fragmented ecosystem is creating barriers to entrepreneurship
  Well-known issues persist: Fragmentation in the innovation ecosystem, lack of experienced serial entrepreneurs, limited pathways from university to start ups and insufficient support networks is impacting our ability to innovate and create global impact. However, increasing numbers of serial entrepreneurs investing returns and expertise in New Zealand businesses and greater awareness of founder needs and growing willingness to collaborate not just compete indicates an increasing maturity.

• There’s a disconnect between available capital and expected investment needs
  Standard funding models aren’t necessarily designed to support the sustainable, ethical initiatives required to build a better world. New finance mechanisms may unlock latent capital to support mid-sized business growth.

• Fostering global connections and partnerships is essential for accessing new markets
  Building international relationships is critical to advancing innovation and economic growth. New Zealand's strategic location in the Pacific and its commitment to free trade agreements offer opportunities for leadership in regional trade and development.

• Proximity to government and a supportive regulatory environment helps enable innovation
  Access to key decision makers provides an opportunity for open debate and legislative change can support our innovation, evident in the tech and deep tech sectors e.g. space.

KEY THEMES