The HKU Collaborative Innovative Center in Hong Kong was officially established through a Plaque Unveiling Ceremony jointly organised by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Beijing Institute of Collaborative Innovation (BICI).
The Center, established through a partnership agreement between the University and BICI, has the primary goal of fostering translational research projects and strengthening collaboration in scientific research, technology commercialisation, and talent development.
The ceremony was officiated by the Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), and the Associate Vice-President (Research) from HKU, and the President, and Vice-President (Global Collaboration) from BICI.
In his welcoming address, HKU’s Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) expressed that the establishment of the HKU Collaborative Innovation Center demonstrates the University’s unwavering commitment to research excellence and innovation.
The Center aims to unite esteemed researchers and industry partners to collaborate on cutting-edge research initiatives, seeking solutions to intricate problems, generating new knowledge, and fostering the development of future talents. Professor Shen highlighted BICI’s strong collaborative ties with leading international universities and expressed enthusiasm for the meaningful partnership between HKU and BICI. He eagerly anticipated the fruitful outcomes of this cooperation and the notable contributions the Center would bring to the HKU community and beyond.
Meanwhile, the President of BICI emphasised the significance of commercialising outcomes derived from major fundamental research for technological progress. The partnership between BICI and the globally renowned institution, HKU, is poised to leverage their collaborative strengths and capitalise on the respective advantages they possess. HKU’s academic and research excellence, along with its high-quality students, complemented by BICI’s expertise in technology acceleration, will be fully harnessed.
The Center aims to establish an innovative and efficient mechanism that integrates research and development, commercialisation, and talent training. Through this approach, the Center aims to cultivate original technologies and foster emerging industries, making valuable contributions to society. Additionally, the collaboration aligns with HKU’s ongoing mission and commitment to education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
During the ceremony, HKU and BICI also entered into an agreement regarding a joint training program for PhD students, aimed at nurturing future talents in innovation and technology. This was followed by an informative session where participants were introduced to the collaborative framework and the funding opportunities available for joint research and development.
The establishment of the HKU Collaborative Innovative Center in Hong Kong, along with the partnership between HKU and BICI, marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of technological advancement. With a strong emphasis on research excellence, innovation, and commercialisation, the Center is poised to propel the development of cutting-edge technologies and foster emerging industries.
Through collaborative efforts, the Center aims to address complex challenges, create new knowledge, and nurture future talents in the field of technology. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both institutions, this partnership holds the promise of driving transformative advancements, making significant contributions to society, and cementing Hong Kong’s position as a hub for technological innovation.
In the 2023 Budget Speech delivered by the Financial Secretary of Hong Kong in February, it was noted that in the realm of technology, talent serves as a crucial catalyst for growth and progress. Hong Kong’s future is intricately linked to its ability to consistently and abundantly supply high-quality talent to meet the evolving demands of the market.
While the government takes steps to “compete for talents” through various initiatives, it recognises that nurturing and retaining local talents must be prioritised. To ensure a sustainable talent pool, the government is committed to promoting diversified development through education and training programs that equip young individuals and professionals from various sectors with the essential skills needed for the future of technology-driven industries and the economy. By creating opportunities and instilling hope in local talents, Hong Kong aims to foster an environment that motivates them to strive together towards a brighter future in the realm of technology.
