The objectives of this research are to report on the role of innovation centres in the building and construction sectors in different countries, describe their structure and function, and compare the governance of building and construction innovation in New Zealand to what is happening overseas. The findings indicate there are four main functions of innovation centres, with only the first being well accomplished in New Zealand. The functions are: Commercialise R&D, Help inventors, Promote innovation, Do research. There is scope for a dedicated New Zealand innovation centre to provide all of these functions.