Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) are going to be worked over by a high-powered taskforce to find out whether they are meeting national priorities and the needs of research users.

Research, Science and Technology Minister Wayne Mapp said yesterday the taskforce would examine the purpose, governance and funding of CRIs.

"CRIs must play a central role in lifting New Zealand's economic performance," he said.

"The CRIs were established in 1992. It is now time to revisit their purpose and operation."