YOUR INDUSTRY
Plant & Food Research chief executive, David Hughes, was named the winner of the inaugural KiwiNet Commercialisation Icon Award
Commercialisation of science makes world a better place The government’s current review of science and its funding is a useful time to think about where commercialisation fits within the science model, says chief executive of Plant & Food Research Ltd (PFR), David Hughes. Elaine Fisher “Science can only make a difference when it is taken outside of the lab and used by others,” David says. “It is my view that if the ‘Future Pathways’ review process has a strong focus on just one thing it should be on how to maximise the flow of scientific knowledge to the people to make New Zealand and the world a better place to live.” David was named inaugural KiwiNet Commercialisation Icon late last year – an award which commended him for his visionary leadership in advancing the cause of research commercialisation, fostering a social licence to commercialise research and his role in nurturing entrepreneurial spirit and skills in others. “I believe it’s important that a share of any financial benefits of research are reinvested to allow scientists to keep innovating,” he says. “I’ve been very privileged to work with some great, forward-thinking scientists as well as those on 24
The ORCHARDIST : FEBRUARY 2022
the business side who can take that science into the world.” David, who was group general manager commercial, prior to being appointed to chief executive in 2018, was recognised for his dedication to finding new ways to commercialise science. In that role, he inspired the culture change required to increase commercialisation of research and championed new business models that provided security and growth for the organisation. Royalties have subsequently grown from $13 million in 2009 to $58 million per annum, and now make up 30 percent of PFR’s annual revenue. The organisation has also established new commercialisation models, such as the Pacific Berries joint venture with Northwest Plant Company in the United States and recently established spin out companies Scentian Bio and 2Before. Commercialisation was a key part of David’s vision and a technology development business unit
