Measuring the New Zealand Knowledge Economy

Abstract

This paper provides estimates of the "knowledge economy" for New Zealand using the Population Census. Although the meaning of knowledge economy may differ slightly depending on the context, it is reasonable to say that it refers to the influence of differently skilled individuals on performance of an area, be it social, economic or developmental. Two overseas methodologies were reviewed and applied to the New Zealand context. This paper presents initial findings at a regional and sub-regional level and goes on to consider areas of future development.