This briefing provides an overview of the role and purpose of Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) within the New Zealand science and innovation eco-system.  CRIs are two-thirds of the nation's publically-funded science researchers (excluding health and ICT areas); and where businesses choose to spend $3 of every $4 on RS&T they commission externally.  There has been significant progress since the 2010 CRI Taskforce.  The BIM proposes key issues for Ministerial leadership, as CRIs focus on advancing ideas and delivering results that benefit New Zealand.