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This month’s edition of Healthcare Review – OnlineTM is the second in a series on the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology’s (MoRST’s) Foresight Project.
The November 1998 edition of Healthcare Review – OnlineTM introduced the Foresight Project and outlined its likely future direction. Papers described the process used in the Foresight Project and set out the expectations of the health sector with respect to the role of research, science and technology in reducing inequalities in New Zealand society.
This edition provides detail on the implementation of the Foresight Project. It outlines the perspective and role of the Health Research Council of New Zealand in implementation. It also considers implementation from the perspective of Maori, and considers the relevance of the Foresight Project to Maori health and development.
The first edition of the series on the Foresight Project introduced the role of the Health Research Council in implementation of the Foresight Project. In this edition, a contribution from Bruce Scoggins of the Health Research Council of New Zealand outlines this role and details the challenges and issues that face the health sector in implementing the vision set out in the contributions to the Foresight Project.
Target outcomes based on Foresight sector strategies are being finalised. After they are released, the Health Research Council will initiate activities including management of investments in a number of portfolio areas. Portfolio areas will be decided with an aim of adding value to investment and delivering health outcomes, and will also link to the identified target outcomes.
Strategic analysis of the portfolio areas and development of purchase strategies will follow and will link to planned priority setting by the Health Research Council and Government planning for future investment.
Helen Lomax, Advisor (Maori), Policy Branch, Ministry of Health, reviews the relevance of the Foresight Project to Maori health and development. There is a need for consideration of the knowledge needs of Maori within decisions relating to investment in research, science and technology. Lomax highlights the role of research and knowledge in shifting current competencies so that they align with the needs of Maori health and Maori development.
Dr Chris Cunningham, Director of Health Research, Te Pumanawa Hauora, Massey University, details the dual goals of Maori development and Maori advancement. He summarises research approaches for Maori that will deliver a contribution to Maori development and Maori advancement.
Cunningham goes on to detail the challenges for health research, science and technology that is relevant for Maori development and Maori advancement. These include identification of Maori priorities for research, continuing development of a Maori research capacity and collaborative globalisation with other indigenous peoples.
