"Be that in farming, forestry, tourism or landscape design," he told Dairy News. "And the second issue is to take some of that global."
While West wouldn't comment on current student numbers in the quake-hit region, he acknowledges there's always a need to increase intake at institutions such as Lincoln.
"Firstly, because it's good for the institution itself and secondly, because New Zealand needs more people educated and trained in the disciplines Lincoln specialises in."
West says it's a privilege to be asked to lead "such a venerated institution, one with a genuinely global and well-earned reputation".
"Lincoln University is claimed to be the longest established agricultural education institute in the Southern Hemisphere and is one of the older organisations in New Zealand society.
"The excellence of teaching and research, and the quality of staff and students at Lincoln University very much attracted me to this role.... Lincoln University is New Zealand's only specialist university and the only university to be located in the countryside, true to the spirit of its land-based specialisation. Long may that continue."
West was chief executive of AgResearch in 2009 when it and Lincoln investigated merging. He told Dairy News similar moves were not part of his agenda in taking up the vice-chancellor's role.
"But I see close working relationships with not just AgResearch, but the likes of Plant and Food, Scion, and the various other universities and polytechnics, as fundamental."
Incumbent vice-chancellor Roger Field last August said he would retire this April and West takes up the role on April 16.
Lincoln University chancellor Tom Lambie says there were a number of very high calibre applicants.
"The selection process has been rigorous and closely fought. As a result we now have the right person to lead this university into the future."
West is currently Adjunct Professor of AgriBusiness at the University of Waikato. His career since graduating with a BSc in ecology from University of Westminster, London, and gaining a doctorate at the UK's Council for National Academic Awards, has spanned education, science and innovation, agriculture, process manufacturing and tourism.
He headed the Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences (GNS) prior to his AgResearch role and was instrumental in establishing the New Zealand Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and running the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
West's also had numerous directorships, predominantly in primary industry but also in bodies with a strong emphasis on innovation and commercialisation.
