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The Acting Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Gordon Leung, said today (October 3) that the Government is a firm believer that collaboration among industry, universities and research institutes is a key driver of innovation.
Opening the Industry and University Consultation Forum hosted by the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI), Mr Leung said, "Experience shows that the knowledge and technologies generated by universities and research institutes provide a strong foundation for industry to design and produce innovative products and services to satisfy consumer demand.
"On the other hand, without industry's involvement in the commercialisation process, the new technologies developed in the laboratories will not be able to find their way into the consumer market."
Both the universities and the business sector in Hong Kong have been increasing their research and development (R&D) activities steadily in recent years. Total R&D expenditure in Hong Kong amounted to $11.9 billion in 2006, representing an increase of almost 60% from the $7.5 billion spent in 2002.
As for the government, Mr Leung said it had set up five R&D centres in April 2006 to promote industry-oriented R&D and commercialisation in five technology focus areas: automotive parts and accessory systems; information and communications technologies; nanotechnology and advanced materials; logistics and supply chain management enabling technologies; and textiles and clothing.
The government has also earmarked over $2 billion from the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) to support the operation of the five centres and part of their research funding. Since the establishment of the centres, 154 applied R&D projects with ITF funding of about $780 million have been approved. These projects have high market potential, such as high-definition TV, LED display technology, advanced clothing materials, and RFID tags and readers.
Turning to ASTRI, which is also hosting the R&D Centre for Information and Communications Technologies, Mr Leung said, "ASTRI is charged with the mission to perform market leading edge R&D for technology transfer to industry, develop needed technical human resources and act as a focal point that brings together industry and university R&D assets to enhance Hong Kong's technological competitiveness on a continuous basis."
As at the end of August, 135 projects comprising 71 full projects and 64 seed projects have been undertaken by ASTRI (including the R&D Centre for ICT) with funding support of $925 million from the ITF. The technology and expertise developed in ASTRI over the years are readily available to industry to further develop innovative products and services.
Mr Leung said, "We are confident that with the trend of closer collaboration among local industry, universities and research institutes, more customer-oriented and innovative products could be brought to market."
The objectives of the forum are to introduce ASTRI's different technology programmes and R&D endeavours being undertaken and planned for the coming years, to solicit suggestions for other possible future projects, and to seek support and collaboration from industry and the universities on the development of a wide spectrum of innovative technologies. About 300 people participated in today's forum.
Ends/Friday, October 3, 2008
Issued at HKT 11:18
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