The Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development (CITID), chaired by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry held its first meeting where members received a briefing on the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint. The roadmap outlines the government’s strategies and plans for promoting innovation and technology (I&T) development in the region.
The members also discussed the government’s major initiatives aimed at promoting I&T and industry development in Hong Kong. These initiatives which include policies, programs, and funding support to encourage research and development (R&D) activities, foster innovation ecosystems, and enhance the competitiveness of local industries.
Also discussed was the development of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry in Hong Kong. Members shared their insights and opinions on the growth potential, challenges, and opportunities of the AI industry in the region.
The members also spoke about the acceleration of commercialisation of R&D outcomes, exchanging opinions on how to facilitate the translation of research findings into practical applications and commercial products that can contribute to economic growth and societal benefits. This could include discussions on funding mechanisms, intellectual property protection, industry-academia collaborations, and regulatory frameworks to support the successful commercialisation of R&D outcomes.
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry expressed that Hong Kong enjoys strong support from the country, and the government is actively working towards developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre based on the four development directions and eight major strategies outlined in the Blueprint. The Secretary also emphasised the importance of input from stakeholders to formulate specific implementation measures to further enhance the local I&T ecosystem.
The Secretary also expressed sincere gratitude to the members for their participation in the CITID and their wise counsel on Hong Kong’s I&T development. They looked forward to engaging in more in-depth and fruitful discussions in future meetings.
The CITID, which was established on 3 March 2023, serves as an advisory body to the Government of Hong Kong, providing guidance on the directions and strategies outlined in the Blueprint for promoting the development of innovation and technology (I&T) in the region.
The CITID aims to enhance cooperation among stakeholders and will deliberate on various topics, including promoting research and development (R&D), cultivating an I&T talent pool, developing infrastructure, and promoting new industrialisation efforts.
The members of the CITID are drawn from diverse backgrounds and include representatives and experts from academia, information technology, I&T industries, and other relevant sectors, as well as relevant government officials. Their collective expertise and insights are expected to contribute to the formulation of policies and initiatives aimed at advancing Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem and promoting sustainable growth in the field of innovation and technology.
Overall, the meeting provided a platform for members to discuss and provide input on the Hong Kong government’s initiatives related to innovation, technology, and industry development, with a particular focus on the artificial intelligence industry and the commercialisation of R&D outcomes.
