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Deputy Commissioner for Innovation and Technology Gordon Leung speaks October 31 at the opening of the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Industry and University Consultation Forum in Shenzhen. |
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) has budgeted approximately US$346.15 million to support its five research and development (R&D) centers over their first five years, said Deputy Commissioner for Innovation and Technology Gordon Leung.
Speaking October 31 at a Shenzhen technology forum, Mr. Leung said 162 R&D projects involving US$104.48 million have been approved since the R&D centers were established. Those projects include high-definition TV, LED technology, advanced clothing materials, and electronic tags and readers. These new technologies have tremendous market potential.
“Serving enterprises in Hong Kong and across the Pearl River Delta (PRD), the centers conduct R&D activities according to the needs of the enterprises. The centers transfer advanced technology to them, raising the added value of their products and helping them to upgrade,” said Mr. Leung.
Set up in April 2006, the five R&D centers aim to promote and coordinate R&D activities in five focus areas.
Mr. Leung said that in recent years, the Hong Kong government has been actively building a favorable environment for innovation and technology development, promoting upgrading of conventional industries and nurturing development of the technology industry. In 2004, the government mapped out the New Strategy of Innovation and Technology Development, emphasizing focused development, market relevance, industry participation, leverage on the Mainland market and better co-ordination.
“The key initiatives of the new strategy are to identify technology focus areas which have a competitive edge and can meet the needs of the market,” said Mr. Leung. “The five technology areas include automotive parts and accessory systems, logistics and supply chain management-enabling technologies, nanotechnology and advanced materials, information and communications technologies and textile and clothing.”
Mr. Leung pointed out that the cooperation agreement on the Shenzhen/Hong Kong Innovation Circle signed on May 21, 2007, signified the full cooperation of the two sides in promoting innovation and technology. The agreement drives collaboration between technology institutions and industry of the two regions, development of a scientific research platform and sharing of resources.
The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) sponsored the Shenzhen meeting, which was called the Industry and University Consultation Forum. ASTRI is the hosting organization of the HKSARG’s R&D Centre for Information and Communications Technologies.
“Today, the ASTRI introduces a large number of projects to industries in Shenzhen and the PRD hoping to explore opportunities for collaboration. This is a realistic step to propel technology collaboration and industry upgrade,” said Mr. Leung.
The deputy commissioner said the production lines set up by Shenzhen industry and Hong Kong enterprises in the PRD have, after years of growth, made the PRD a key production base of the world. At present, the PRD is a leading producer of communication facilities, computers, electronics, textiles and garments.
“To stay competitive globally, we have to upgrade our innovation capabilities and technology level, add value to our goods and services and establish our own brands,” he said.
Mr. Leung said he hoped the forum clarified to ASTRI the problems and difficulties in innovation and technology upgrades facing industries in Shenzhen and the PRD. That knowledge will help the institute devise applied research projects to meet market needs and establish closer relationships with industries in Shenzhen and the PRD.
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