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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster was positioned as the second most significant science and technology (S&T) cluster globally for the fifth consecutive year by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This consistent ranking, featured in WIPO’s Global Innovation Index 2024, highlights the Greater Bay Area’s (GBA) influential role in the global innovation and technology (I&T) landscape.
WIPO’s Global Innovation Index ranks the top 100 science and technology clusters based on patent filings and scientific research. This year, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster showed significant growth, with 2,303 Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications and 3,469 scientific articles per one million inhabitants, reflecting its increased innovation, research output, and global influence in technology.
The HKSAR Government emphasised the strategic importance of the Greater Bay Area as a leading international I&T hub. This region is not only vital to the national S&T innovation system but also plays a crucial role in driving forward the global I&T agenda. The government’s recognition of WIPO’s ranking serves to reinforce its commitment to fostering an environment conducive to innovation and technological advancement.
One of the key areas of focus for the HKSAR Government is the enhancement of basic research capabilities. Strengthening basic research is fundamental to sustaining long-term innovation, as it lays the groundwork for the development of new technologies and solutions. The government is committed to providing the necessary support and resources to bolster the research infrastructure in Hong Kong, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of scientific discovery and innovation.
In addition to strengthening research capabilities, the HKSAR Government is actively working to enhance the local I&T ecosystem. This involves creating a more supportive environment for startups and established tech companies alike, facilitating access to funding, and fostering collaboration between academia and industry. By building a more integrated and dynamic I&T ecosystem, Hong Kong aims to position itself as a global leader in technological innovation.
A critical component of the HKSAR Government’s strategy is the acceleration of the transformation and commercialisation of research and development (R&D) outcomes. The government recognises that translating research into practical applications is essential for driving economic growth and improving societal well-being. To this end, it is implementing policies and initiatives that encourage the commercialisation of R&D, helping to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and market-ready products and services.
The HKSAR Government is also focused on promoting new industrialisation as a means of cultivating high-quality productive forces. By leveraging Hong Kong’s unique strengths, including its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and highly skilled workforce, the government aims to attract more high-tech industries to the city. This not only enhances the city’s economic resilience but also ensures that it remains a key player in the global I&T landscape.
Collaboration with other cities within the Greater Bay Area is another cornerstone of the HKSAR Government’s I&T strategy. By strengthening ties with sister cities in the GBA, Hong Kong can leverage complementary strengths and resources, creating synergies that benefit the entire region. This collaborative approach is designed to build a more comprehensive and globally competitive I&T industry chain, which is crucial for sustaining the region’s innovation-driven growth.
Ultimately, the HKSAR Government’s efforts are aligned with the broader national goal of achieving high-level self-reliance in science and technology. By fostering innovation, enhancing research capabilities, and promoting industrialisation, Hong Kong aims to contribute to the nation’s development as a leading global innovation powerhouse. The government remains committed to making new and greater contributions to this goal, ensuring that Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area continue to play a pivotal role in the global I&T arena.
