Technical information
1.38.
The already vast amount of information concerning technology is increasing constantly. Recent significant developments make it much easier to store, retrieve, search and disseminate such information. Access to technical information is essential for businesses, patent offices, researchers and planners. Technical information centres have been established to assist this. The need for access to technical information will increase in Hong Kong. At present, insufficient use is being made of it here. Many Hong Kong users may obtain access on-line or via CD ROM services, but there is an obvious need for a technical information centre. Some technical information services are already available in Hong Kong. It is essential to Hong Kong's industry that technical information should not only be made available but should be actively disseminated to those best able to make use of it. We recommend the establishment of a centre providing services such as those provided by the United Kingdom Patent Office and many other organisations. The Intellectual Property Department should play a coordinating role in the collection and administration of patent information in Hong Kong. Information on Hong Kong patents should be available in electronic form.
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