Hong Kong has set out a roadmap to become an international Innovation and Technology (I&T) centre and a hub for high-calibre talent, as Chief Executive John Lee unveiled the city’s First Five-Year Plan. 

Capitalising on the basic scientific research capabilities of five local universities ranked among the world’s top 100, the plan focuses on advancing international frontier technologies and deepening systemic I&T reforms.

At the heart of this transformation is a new “north-central-south” spatial layout anchored by three major tech hubs: the Hong Kong Park area of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the San Tin Technopole in the north, the Science Park in the central region, and Cyberport in the south. The city is going full steam ahead with the development of these three major I&T parks.

The plan also states that it will accelerate the development of five key research and development (R&D) institutions – the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Hong Kong Applied Science & Technology Research Institute, and newly established institutes for microelectronics, artificial intelligence, and life and health technology. 

These bodies will work alongside the “dual base” of State Key Laboratories in Hong Kong and InnoHK research clusters.

To advance new industrialisation, the government will support traditional industries to upgrade and transform while prioritising strategic emerging sectors like the aerospace and marine economies. Preparations are also underway for future industries, including quantum technology and embodied intelligence. 

The Government will promote artificial intelligence (AI) as a core industry for Hong Kong’s future development and empower different sectors of the economy through AI technology. It will enhance the AI ecosystem in multiple dimensions and continue to take forward the AI+ Initiative on all fronts.

According to the plan, Hong Kong is also positioning itself as an international health and medical innovation hub. The Government will reform the regulatory regime for medical products by establishing the Centre for Medical Products Regulation and implementing a “primary evaluation” system by 2030. 

Furthermore, a comprehensive clinical trial infrastructure and digital portal will be built and the Government will fully implement the interfacing of clinical trial resources between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

To sustain this growth, Hong Kong is solidifying its global reach and talent pipeline.

The Government will promote the "Study in Hong Kong" brand, update the Talent List, and promote the integrated development of education, technology and talent to enhance the city’s capabilities in nurturing and attracting high-calibre talent. 

Visit Part 2 of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan for more details.