The Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office (PICO) today (June 8) announced that the Strategic Public Policy Research (SPPR) Funding Scheme 2018-19 is now open for application.
      
     The SPPR Funding Scheme, together with the Public Policy Research (PPR) Funding Scheme, both managed by the PICO, are unique in Hong Kong in that they are the only government-subsidised funding schemes dedicated to fostering and supporting public policy research in Hong Kong. The total annual provision for the two schemes is $30 million. Both schemes aim to promote public policy research and evidence-based research to facilitate public policy discussion. Specifically, the SPPR Funding Scheme aims to support longer-term public policy research on strategic themes, build up research capacity, and facilitate collaboration among institutions/think tanks on the strategic themes. Applications for the PPR Funding Scheme are accepted throughout the year, while applications for the SPPR Funding Scheme are invited once a year.
      
     Nine strategic themes have been identified for the SPPR Funding Scheme 2018-19, namely (a) Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area; (b) Belt and Road Initiative; (c) Economic and Trade Co-operation Zones; (d) Big Data and/or Smart City; (e) Re-industrialisation; (f) Sharing Economy; (g) Land and Housing Strategy; (h) Youth Development; and (i) Challenges of Population Ageing.
      
     A sum ranging from $3 million to $5 million may be granted to each successful SPPR project for a research period of three to five years.
      
     The SPPR Funding Scheme 2018-19 is open for application until August 3, 2018.
      
     Assessments will be conducted by an Assessment Panel set up by the PICO which is chaired by and comprises experienced academics. The Panel will determine the assessment criteria and details of the two funding schemes. Applications will be assessed by the Panel as well as local and non-local reviewers, who are academics and experts outside the Panel.  Suggestions and views of relevant government bureaux/departments will also be sought for reference by the Panel. A declaration of interests system is in place to ensure that the assessments are fair and impartial.
      
     Research quality and the strategic relevance to the public policy development of Hong Kong are the primary considerations in evaluating research proposals under the SPPR Funding Scheme. In considering a research proposal, the Assessment Panel will also take into account factors such as deliverables of the research, the research team's capability, the feasibility and practicality of the proposal, the implementation schedule, and the proposed budget. Institutional support towards capacity building in public policy research (e.g. infrastructure support or matching funds) and any external funding sources and support will also be taken into consideration.
      
     Details of the SPPR Funding Scheme including eligibility criteria, the strategic themes, composition of the Assessment Panel, application method and other related information, are available on the PICO website (www.pico.gov.hk/en/PRFS).

Ends/Friday, June 8, 2018
Issued at HKT 17:00

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