In the latest World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR) 2025 published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Hong Kong ranked fourth globally, up further by three places after rising by three places last year.
 
     Among the three factors in WDCR 2025, Hong Kong continued to perform well and remained third and fifth globally in "Technology" and "Knowledge" respectively, while our ranking in "Future readiness" improved notably by five places to tenth. At the sub-factor level, "Technological framework" and "Adaptive attitudes" ranked first globally. "Talent" and "Training and education" ranked among the top five globally.
 
     A Government spokesman said today (November 4), "The IMD's WDCR 2025 continued to recognise Hong Kong as one of the most digitally competitive economies in the world. Our country supports Hong Kong to develop into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been striving to enhance the strategic layout of I&T infrastructure, with three major I&T parks and five key research and development (R&D) institutions as the framework, so as to actively drive I&T development and cultivate new quality productive forces. With the staunch support from our country and Hong Kong's international prospects, coupled with a thriving start-up ecosystem, a free, open and fair business environment, a simple low tax system and strong policy support, Hong Kong is well positioned to attract enterprises, talent and technology from around the world, thereby laying a solid foundation for further advancing the I&T collaboration and development."
 
     The spokesman added, "The Chief Executive announced in the 2025 Policy Address a series of measures aimed at implementing the development of the international I&T centre. To promote R&D, the Government is taking forward the set-up of two pilot lines by the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute, and will complete the preparatory work for the establishment of the Life and Health Technology Research Institute(s) and the Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute within next year. To accelerate the development of 'new industrialisation', we will expedite the development of the third InnoHK research cluster, relax the application threshold for the 'New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme' and launch the 'I&T Industry-Oriented Fund' in 2026-27. The Government will also continue to promote the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science industries, guided by the strategy of 'strengthening infrastructure and promoting the application-oriented approach', with a view to achieving 'industries for AI' and 'AI for industries'. On infrastructure, the computing power of Cyberport's AI Supercomputing Centre will be ramped up this year to meet the strong demand from sectors in Hong Kong, complemented by the $3 billion AI Subsidy Scheme that has been launched. The Government has also put up a site of about 10 hectares at Sandy Ridge in the North District for the development of a data facility cluster for open tender. On application, the HKSAR Government will continue promote AI business applications. Besides, the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone will commence operation this year, and the Conceptual Outline of the Development Plan for the Innovation and Technology Industry in the San Tin Technopole will also be published this year.  Going forward, the HKSAR Government will continue to promote closer collaboration among the Government and the industry, academia, research and investment sectors, consolidate and enhance our competitive edge in the global market, as well as foster the cultivation of new quality productive forces."

Ends/Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Issued at HKT 9:01

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