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The Digital Policy Office (DPO) held the 19th Technology Forum at Hong Kong Science Park, with a focus on advancing technological collaboration and innovation. The Commissioner for Digital Policy outlined the DPO’s primary objectives and future strategies. He expressed a strong interest in attracting a broader range of innovation and technology (I&T) enterprises from Mainland China to establish operations in Hong Kong. The goal is to support the city’s development as a hub for digital government and a digital economy, with the broader vision of transforming Hong Kong into a smart city.
Hong Kong was highlighted as an international platform as a key asset that can be leveraged to help Mainland technology enterprises expand globally and penetrate international markets. This strategic move aims to enhance the global presence of Chinese innovation and technology, allowing both Hong Kong and Mainland China to share their I&T success stories with the world.
The focus of this year was “Empower Public Service Development through National Self-developed Diversified Technologies.” Attendees included representatives from over 40 government departments and 12 Mainland I&T enterprises. The aim was to continue integrating national, self-developed technologies into public services to drive innovation and efficiency within the government sector.
The DPO will play a pivotal role in implementing data-driven, people-centric, and outcome-focused digital policies. These policies are designed to harness digital technology and data analytics to foster smart innovation, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and quality of government services. The overarching aim is to generate tangible benefits for both citizens and the business community in Hong Kong.
In addition, the DPO plans to focus on bolstering project governance and cybersecurity within government digital infrastructure and systems. By strengthening these areas, the DPO seeks to ensure that Hong Kong’s digital transformation is both secure and effective.
Mainland I&T enterprises were provided a platform on which to showcase their technologies and share insights. This exchange of ideas enabled government departments to gain practical knowledge and experience with various innovative products and solutions. The forum served as a platform for departments to explore a wider array of innovative solutions, which could be adapted to meet the specific needs of their operations. Moreover, the event facilitated a deeper understanding among Mainland I&T enterprises of the local industry’s development and requirements, paving the way for closer collaboration between the two sides in the future.
The Forum was organised by the Smart Government Innovation Lab (Smart Lab), which operates under the DPO. In collaboration with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Hong Kong Cyberport, and the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Smart Lab has been a driving force in fostering connections between government departments and the I&T sector since its inception in 2019. The Smart Lab has been particularly active in building partnerships with local start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to encourage the adoption of innovative technology within the public sector.
To further promote the integration of technology in government operations, the Smart Lab often organises a variety of technology forums and exchange workshops designed to facilitate interactions between government departments and industry players. The objective is to inspire government departments to embrace and implement innovative technology products and solutions, thereby enabling more business matching opportunities and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.
The aim is to draw over 7,000 participants from more than 70 different bureaux and departments, as well as over 600 public and private organisations and enterprises. This widespread participation underscores the growing interest in and commitment to leveraging technology to drive public service development and enhance the city’s digital landscape.
