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The Government of HKSAR had budgeted about $2.7 billion for the first five years to support the operations and research and development (R&D) activities of its five R&D centres, Deputy Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Gordon Leung, said today (October 31).
Speaking at the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) Industry and University Consultation Forum held in Shenzhen, Mr Leung said, "Since the establishment of the R&D centres, 162 R&D projects involving $815 million have been approved. Those projects include high-definition TV, LED technology, advanced clothing materials, and electronic tags and readers. These new technologies have tremendous market potential."
Mr Leung said, "Serving enterprises in Hong Kong and across the Pearl River Delta (PRD), the centres conduct R&D activities according to the needs of the enterprises. The centres transfer advanced technology to them, raising the added value of their products and helping them to upgrade."
Set up in April 2006, the five R&D centres aim to promote and co-ordinate R&D activities in five technology focus areas. ASTRI is the hosting organisation of the R&D Centre for Information and Communications Technologies.
Mr Leung said that in recent years, the Government of HKSAR had been actively building up a favourable environment for innovation and technology development, promoting upgrading of conventional industries and nurturing development of the technology industry. In 2004, the Government mapped out the New Strategy of Innovation and Technology Development, emphasising focused development, market relevance, industry participation, leverage on the Mainland market, and better co-ordination.
Mr Leung said, "The key initiatives of the new strategy are to identify technology focus areas which have a competitive edge and can meet the needs of the market. The four technology areas include automotive parts and accessory systems, logistics and supply chain management enabling technologies, nanotechnology and advanced materials, information and communications technologies, and textile and clothing."
On co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, Mr Leung pointed out that the signing of a co-operation agreement on the Shenzhen/Hong Kong Innovation Circle on May 21 last year signified the full co-operation of the two sides in promoting innovation and technology. The agreement aims to drive collaboration between technology institutions and industry of the two sides, to develop a scientific research platform and to bring about resources sharing.
Mr Leung said, "Today, the ASTRI introduces a large number of projects to industries in Shenzhen and the PRD, hoping to explore opportunities for collaboration. This is a realistic step to propel technology collaboration and industry upgrade."
He said that the production lines set up by Shenzhen industry and Hong Kong enterprises in the PRD had, after years of growth, made the PRD a key production base of the world. At present, the PRD is a leading producer of communication facilities, computers, electronics, textiles and garments.
"To stay competitive globally, we have to upgrade our innovation capabilities and technology level, add value to our goods and services, and establish our own brands," Mr Leung said.
Mr Leung said he hoped that the forum would enable ASTRI to understand better the problems and difficulties in innovation and technology upgrade facing industries in Shenzhen and the PRD, so that ASTRI can devise applied research projects to meet market needs and establish closer relationships with industries in Shenzhen and the PRD.
Also attending the forum today were the Deputy Secretary General of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, Mr Gao Guohui, and the Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, Professor Edward Yang.
Ends/Friday, October 31, 2008
Issued at HKT 11:33
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