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Chapter 6

Innovation and Technology

Hong Kong attracts top research institutions with its strong research capability, robust intellectual property protection regime and world-class technological infrastructure. The city is forging ahead to embrace the innovation and technology era, boosted by an unprecedented sum of more than $18 billion pledged in the Policy Address and Budget Speech of 2016.

Established in November 2015, the Innovation and Technology Bureau provides dedicated policy support for the development of innovation and technology (I&T) in Hong Kong. The bureau is supported by the Innovation and Technology Commission and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer.

The Innovation and Technology Commission promotes and supports applied research and development (R&D), and technology transfer and applications. It also promotes internationally accepted standards and conformity assessment services to underpin technological development and international trade in Hong Kong.

The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer provides information technology (IT) services, governance and support within the government, and promotes the wider adoption of IT, such as cloud computing, and digital inclusion in the community. It also seeks to develop a vibrant industry in information and communications technology (ICT), promoting high-tier data centres, smart city development and cybersecurity awareness in Hong Kong.

Infrastructure

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) provides one-stop infrastructural support to technology-based companies. It manages the 22-hectare Science Park in Sha Tin. The three-phase development of the Science Park was fully completed on its 15th anniversary in 2016, providing 330,000 square metres of gross floor area for applied R&D in biomedical technology, electronics, green technology, information and telecommunications technology, and material and precision engineering. As at end-2016, it was home to about 630 companies. In August, the Science Park embarked on a $4.4 billion stage 1 expansion programme to increase the gross floor area by 20 per cent by 2020.

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