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The governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Guangdong Province today (September 17) invited applications for funding support for research and development (R&D) projects under the 2007 Hong Kong/Guangdong Technology Co-operation Funding Scheme.
The funding scheme, first launched in 2004 by the Hong Kong/Guangdong Expert Group on Co-operation in Innovation and Technology, serves to enhance the collaboration between R&D institutions and industry between the two places, and upgrading of the technology level of the industry in the Greater Pearl River Delta region.
In the past three years, the two governments have supported some 400 R&D projects with a total funding of $1.15 billion.
"In view of the favourable response, the Expert Group agreed that the scheme should be launched for the fourth year and the two sides have earmarked about $800 million to support R&D projects," a spokesman for the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) said.
There are three categories under the scheme this year. The first two categories follow the funding models of the past three years.
Under the first category, projects will be funded by the Innovation and Technology Fund of Hong Kong. This category is for projects with Hong Kong institutions as principal applicants and Guangdong institutions are encouraged to participate.
The second category is for projects funded by Guangdong provincial government. This category is for projects with Guangdong institutions as principal applicants but Hong Kong institutions are encouraged to participate.
To further enhance technology co-operation between the two sides, a third category of projects to be funded jointly by the Guangdong and Hong Kong authorities or the Shenzhen and Hong Kong authorities is introduced this year.
For the first category under which projects will be funded by the Hong Kong side, six technology areas will be supported. They are (1)textiles and clothing; (2) logistics and supply chain management enabling technologies; (3) automotive parts and accessory systems; (4)information and communications technology; (5) modernisation of Chinese Medicine, biopharmaceuticals and biomedical engineering; and (6) new energy, energy saving, resources monitoring and environmental technologies.
Applications under this category should be made by institutions established in Hong Kong and applications should be submitted to the respective Research and Development Centres or ITC.
For projects to be funded jointly by the Guangdong and Hong Kong authorities or the Shenzhen and Hong Kong authorities under the third category, the five technology areas to be supported are energy-saving and new energy vehicles; white LED core technologies with high power efficiency; core technologies for RFID; integrated circuits; and digital TV. Applications under this category should be submitted to ITC.
Applications under the second category of projects to be funded by the Guangdong provincial government should be made by Guangdong institutions. Applications should be made directly to the Guangdong provincial government.
"The technology areas supported under the scheme are relevant to the needs of the industry and will enhance economic development in the Greater Pearl River Delta region," the spokesman said.
"Priority for funding support will be given to projects that leverage for maximum benefits on existing R&D facilities, resources and knowledge of Hong Kong and Guangdong. Co-operation of industry in both places via provision of funding, development expertise and advice in the technology areas are also encouraged," he said.
The deadline for application is October 22. Details of application can be found on the ITF website at www.itf.gov.hk. Further information can be obtained from the ITF Secretariat at 20/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong (Tel: 27372433/2736 0055; Fax: 2957 8726; Email: enquiry@itf.gov.hk).
Ends/Monday, September 17, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:56
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