Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Du Zuji, Zeng Guoping
STS Research Center, Tsinghua University
Beijing, China
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Major Exogenous Changes in Hong Kong’s Environment
Globalization
Knowledge Economy
Emergence of the Chinese Economy
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Challenges Posed by the Pearl River Delta and
Yangtze River Delta
Rapid industry development of the two areas
Capital accumulation
Knowledge stock accumulation
Rapid Internationalization and lessening of reliance on Hong Kong
National policy and focus on core skills as well as technology and innovation
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Hong Kong’s Weakening Advantages
“Hollowing out” and overly reliant on service industries
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Hong Kong’s Weakening Advantages
Declining roles as a “window” or a “front office” for Mainland China
“Learning” and accumulation of knowledge, experience, and expertise of traditionally reliant Mainland Chinese partners, subcontractors, and other spin-off’s
International competitions as a capital source as well as a service provider
Competition as regional headquarters from other cities such as Singapore and Shanghai
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Characteristics of Hong Kong’s Recent Recovery
Not a recovery consequential to basic structural transformation of the economy
Consumption propelled both financially and psychologically
Opening of personal tours from China
CEPA I and II
Acceleration of direct foreign investments into China
China’s “going out” policies
No fundamental changes in government policies and directions in technology and innovation
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Characteristics of Hong Kong’s Recent Recovery –
CEPA I/II and Its Impacts
Preliminary results are more psychological than physical
Creates an opportunity for Hong Kong to revitalize its industries in the high value-added sector
Creates positive criteria for international firms to position front office and front-end shops in Hong Kong should they plan to establish a presence in the China market or China workshop
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Hong Kong’s Historical Technology and Innovation
Policies and It’s Impacts
“Positive Non-interventionism”
Translates to no or minimal government investment in technology and innovation
In 1995, total research and development funding was only 659 Million Hong Kong Dollars (13 Million USD) or 0.25% of Hong Kong’s GDP
No coherent policies
“High IQ, Low Technology”
This mentality caused Hong Kong industries to pursue the low labor cost option by moving its operations to mainland China rather than upgrading to high value-added products and processes
Resulted in deficiencies in research stock and human capital
No strategic research and development efforts
Comparatively weak research and development management structure vs Singapore, Taiwan, and Korea
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Hong Kong’s post 1997 technology and innovation policies
The new SAR Administration understood the critical disadvantages created by the negligence of technology and innovation and have made decision to advanced its development
From a base of 0.25% of GDP in 1995, Hong Kong’s research and development has grown substantially in terms of percentage, this healthy growth, however, stems from a very low base couple with the lack of accumulated foundation, such investment could not create a critical mass for effectively develop research stock
In addition, technology and innovation research and development efforts lacks coherent strategy and coordinated strategy hence resulting in difficulties in productizing research and development results into assets
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Hong Kong’s Post 1997 Technology and Innovation Policies
Innovation and Technology Policy Report by a commission led by Professor Tien Chang-lin
5 Billion fund into various projects aimed at high value-added industries, not necessarily high technology
Emphasis on knowledge production, knowledge propagation, and knowledge utilization as a means to propel economic growth
Restructure and transform Hong Kong into a knowledge- based economy
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Hong Kong’s Post 1997 Technology and Innovation Policies
Apparent phenomena:
Hong Kong’s competitiveness in technology and innovation is still weak and seems to be eroding
Hong Kong’s push into the knowledge economy did not have significant impact
There were no formal progress report on the status and implementation results of Professor Tien’s recommended policy
Many of the implementations by the Hong Kong Government became controversial, both in the press and legislature
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Performance Under Hong Kong’s new technology and innovation policies
IMD International Competitiveness Yearbook, for 2002:
R&D Expenses to GDP ratio at 0.48%, positioned at 42 amongst 49 countries/regions
Implications:
Hong Kong’s R&D has not made any headway compared to other countries, rather is left behind by competitors
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Performance Under Hong Kong’s new technology and innovation policies
IMD International Competitiveness Yearbook, for 2002:
R&D Personnel at 1.08/1,000 positioned 33 amongst 49 countries/regions
Implications:
Hong Kong’s activities in R&D is low and virtual unchanged from 1994, position-wise, it is eroding compared to other NIC’s both in institutional research and industry research, it is a dangerous signal for its human capital
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Performance Under Hong Kong’s new technology and innovation policies
IMD International Competitiveness Yearbook, for 2002:
No. of patents per 1,000 of R&D Personnel positioned at 37 amongst 49 countries/regions
Implications:
Hong Kong’s innovation capability is far behind other advanced countries and eroding, it is not a good indication to transition into the knowledge economy
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Performance Under Hong Kong’s new technology and innovation policies
IMD International Competitiveness Yearbook, for 2002:
R&D Expenses to GDP ratio at 0.48%, positioned at 42 amongst 49 countries/regions
No. R&D Personnel at 1.08/1,000 population positioned 33 amongst 49 countries/regions
Average R&D Expenditures by Industries per person USD$27.5, positioned at 27 amongst 49 countries/regions
Average R&D Expenditures per person USD$115.1 positioned at 26 amongst 49 countries/regions
Implications:
Other countries with much less strength are investing much more than Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Hong Kong’s 2004 Technology and Innovation
Strategic Consultation Paper
Emphasize on five key elements:
Focus on competitiveness edge of industrial base
Market relevance
Industry participation
Leverage on mainland China
Better coordination with other programs
4 R&D Centers
Auto parts and Accessories (HKPC)
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Textile and Clothing (HKPU)
Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (HKUST)
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Hong Kong’s 2004 Technology and Innovation
Strategic Consultation Paper
ASTRI (Applied National and Technology Research Institute)
Communication Technology, Consumer electronics, IC Design, Opto-electronics)
Chinese Medicine (Hong Kong Jockey Club Institute of Chinese Medicine)
Hong Kong Productivity Council
Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive Parts
Others
Digital Entertainment
Display Technologies
Medical Diagnostics and Devices
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Hong Kong’s 2004 Technology and Innovation
Strategic Consultation Paper - An Analysis
As the service sector in Hong Kong comprised of over 80% of Hong Kong’s production, no explicit endeavor is attempted in service R&D
In the age of knowledge economy, software development and deployment becomes the basis of all services and production, it is alarming to see a technology and innovation program which put so little emphasis in this vital area
The divergence between university research and the technology and innovation programs need to be closely examined
In some areas, Hong Kong seems to be late entrants to the competitive arena
Little is dealt with in licensing, industrialization, productization, as well as marketing of the research results
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Research and Development Status in Hong Kong
A weak base of intellectual properties, research stock, experience R&D personnel, due to decades of negligence by government policy makers
A biased mentality among industrialists and civil servants towards technology investments due to many decades of campaign to undermine the necessity of technology and innovation under the colonial administration. This mentality requires a long period of time to change.
The culture on reliance on short-term gains on properties and financial speculation is difficult to revert
The Government did not offer sufficient incentives for industries to engage and invest in R&D
The higher education system does not possess sufficient talents for practical research and publication is overly emphasized
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Research and Development Status in Hong Kong
University led research has insignificant participation and there were no momentum of increase
With industry funded contract projects stayed virtually unchanged, around 1% of total research expenditures. This disturbing low percentile could indicate the lack of cooperation industry and local industries :
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Research and Development Status in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s R&D by universities and publicly funded institutions did not generate substantial intellectual properties to enhance its technology competitiveness
Hong Kong ranks 24 in patents IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook behind Singapore (19), Taiwan (3), and Korea (12)
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Comparison with United States, Japan, Singapore and Korea
In the Weight of Service Component in GDP
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Competition with Pearl River Delta, Yangtze River Delta, Taiwan, Korea, and Singapore
Although Hong Kong has the geographical advantages and a traditional role with China, it faces challenges from two sides if it does not make bold moves in technology and innovation strategy:
Eroding role as a window for the Pearl River Delta and Yangtze River Delta area industries, services industries in theses areas are making substantial investments and could catch up
Continuing Challenges from other NIC which started at the same, or even less advantageous positions in the eighties and nineties. Taiwan and Korea are now powerhouses of technologies and Singapore is also making significant strives and have achieved enviable results.
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Technology and Innovation Policies in Revitalizing Hong Kong’s Manufacturing Industries
With CEPA I and CEPAII, Hong Kong is put in an advantageous position to renew its industrial base to create high value-added manufacturing
Hong Kong would need more research and development support and commercial incentives to entice industries, both domestic and foreign, to establish/re-establish facilities in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century Technology and Innovation Policies Needed for Maintaining
Hong Kong’s Excellence in Services Industries
Hong Kong need to:
To continue to be an innovator of services as well as a service systems provider both internationally and for mainland China
Continue to be a regional center for multinationals
A creator of new service elements and instruments
e.g., new financial instruments, banking products, etc.
A catalyst for changes in service cultures
The international finance center for China
Corporate headquarters for Chinese multinationals
A launching ground for impending Chinese multinationals
A technology adaptation and transfer center for China
Without further research and advancements in continuous service innovation and service technology development, Hong Kong could lose its competitive edge
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century New Mentality Needed for Hong Kong’s Governance
Under the One-Country-Two-Systems
and Self-Governing Mandate
Hong Kong should not continue to rely on properties trading and other speculative vehicle to propel its economy
Hong Kong was bestowed with the flexibility in administrative power comparable to a City-state like Singapore but there were no initiative to fully utilize it by senior civil servants
Hong Kong lacks long range visions, objectives, planning and tactics for its future
Hong Kong need more committed, mission-oriented people in its civil service team
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century How Hong Kong Could Fully Exploit Its Positional Advantages and Its Freedom of Administrative Self-governance
The Hong Kong Government must recognize that without significant reversion of the current declining technology and innovation position will directly impact its international role as well as its role as a window for China
The government must take bold but responsible moves to make substantially more investments in technology and innovation
Technology and innovation must be directed from a higher decision-making level and appropriate structure must be establish to oversee the investments are made efficiently and effectively
Academic institutions must adjust its roles from teaching and academic research and become a producer of human capital and intellectual capital
Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century : Hong Kong’s Technology and Innovation Policy and Economic Challenges in the 21st Century
Thank You