Kiwi inventor Sir Ray Avery says the next generation of innovators is being held back by an education system that's stifling children's creativity.
The award-winning scientist's comments come as he heads up the judging panel at the annual Kiwi Innovation Network (KiwiNet) awards.
Christchurch's quake-damaged police station was levelled to the ground last month, and it's that type of scene Canterbury University engineering professor Andy Buchanan believes he could help avoid.
"We're making a building structure that rocks with the quakes – there's movement between the columns in such a way that we absorb energy, and after the quake the building snaps back to its original position."
He says the secret is using timber in high-rise buildings instead of concrete and steel.
Prof Buchanan's research is being honoured at the KiwiNet Awards, which celebrate research and innovative export products.
Other finalists include a sustainable alternative to polystyrene, colour imaging as a diagnostic tool and speciality hops designed for craft beer.
But head judge of the awards Sir Ray Avery says New Zealand isn't doing enough to support the next generation of innovators, and he's calling for a revamp of the education system.
"As we put them through the schooling process we put them in uniforms, teach them algorithms but not about innovation… we should let them play a little longer," he says.
"What we end up with is an educated person who doesn't have any imagination."
An important investment if New Zealand wants to build up its stock of innovators.
3 News
source: newshub archive
