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The Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation (ECCI) announced today (July 30) that it is branching into Asia with a centre for the development of state-of-the-art technology at Hong Kong Science Park.
The Chairperson of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), Mrs Fanny Law; Scotland's First Minister, Ms Nicola Sturgeon; the Principal and Vice- Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, Sir Timothy O'Shea; and the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Dr Simon Galpin, were present at the opening ceremony of the ECCI's Scotland Hong Kong Centre for Carbon Innovation (SHKCCI) today.
The SHKCCI will be led by ECCI and is funded by the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, BRE Scotland and Scottish Development International. It will share and develop best practices with the Hong Kong Government and academic and business partners for the future of carbon technologies in Hong Kong.
Ms Sturgeon said, "This is the first education institution in the world to establish a low-carbon research and innovation centre in another country and I am delighted that it is a Scottish university that is leading the way and setting the standard. Like HKSTP, the University of Edinburgh has a world-class reputation and I'm confident that this relationship will help provide Scottish companies with a route into Hong Kong and, through its strong links with Mainland cities, act as a gateway into China."
Sir Timothy said, "This is a great example of a collaborative working relationship between educational institutions and business. The new carbon innovation centre in Hong Kong will help foster working practices among policy, community and business leaders in order to support and deliver workable solutions for a low-carbon future."
ECCI's Head of Enterprise and Innovation, Mr Ed Craig, said, "ECCI is delighted to be opening this ground-breaking new centre in Hong Kong, strengthening relationships and forging sustainable business partnerships between Scottish and Chinese enterprises. The Asia-Pacific region, and China in particular, faces significant challenges in reducing its environmental impact. This provides a significant opportunity for Scottish ideas, services and products to enable sustainable economic development in this region."
Dr Galpin said, "ECCI is one of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK)'s strategic clients to whom we have been providing support for a long time. I am happy to see that they finally have a branch in Hong Kong, which shows our city's importance in terms of attracting top-grade innovation and environmental companies."
At the SHKCCI, low-carbon experts will focus on projects related to sustainable construction, air quality, water, waste, resource usage, transport, energy efficiency and smarter cities. ECCI will provide a conduit for Scottish organisations aiming to create local partnerships and introduce innovative products and services to Hong Kong businesses. It is also considering setting up future low-carbon bases in other parts of Asia, South America and Central America.
About ECCI
ECCI has the mission to bring low-carbon leaders and practitioners from business, finance and the public sector together to turn good ideas into reality by using its network to help companies drive innovation into their supply chains and create new kinds of low-carbon products and services. It also believes in collaborating with government, enterprise and academics to help craft smart climate and energy policy. For more information, please visit www.edinburghcentre.org.
About InvestHK
InvestHK is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government established in July 2000 to attract foreign direct investment and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. As at June 2015, InvestHK had assisted over 3 700 companies which have created more than 40 200 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and over HK$99 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
For event photo, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157656474612162.
Ends/Thursday, July 30, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:05
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