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11 Countries Will be Financially Vulnerable to Climate Change, International Energy Policy Expert says

The “Climate and National Security: Green Development of BRI” seminar, co-hosted by the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology and the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), concluded successfully.  Prof. XU Qinhua, core member of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) and Honorary Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences of PolyU, Professor of the School of International Studies and Director of Centre for International Energy and Environment Strategy Studies of the Renmin University of China, shared the impact of climate change on national security with scholars, graduate students, and participants as speaker. She stated that climate change is a multiplier of threats, exacerbating existing national security challenges. It may increase regional resource competition, the demand for military actions, and the severity of humanitarian crises, posing a threat to national stability and security. Prof. XU anticipated that decarbonization pressures would intensify the geopolitical tensions, and 11 countries including India and Pakistan would be financially vulnerable to climate change, leading to increasing risks of unrest and migration, and demand for foreign aid.  

PReCIT Launches Inaugural PolyU Innovation & Technology Index

The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) today released its inaugural PolyU Innovation & Technology Index (the Index). With the aim of formulating impactful I&T development policy recommendations to the HKSAR Government in view of enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness and its integration into national development under the 14th Five-Year Plan, the Index compares Hong Kong’s I&T strengths and challenges with those of various regions in Greater China and four major bay areas.   1) Comparison of Hong Kong with other Regions in Greater China Guangdong, Jiangsu and Beijing rank as the top three regions for I&T among the 34 regions in Greater China, with an I&T Index score of 6.77, 5.20 and 4.72 respectively.   Hong Kong ranks 7th with an I&T Index score of 3.53. The city’s ranking is attributable to lower scores in R&D, the number of patents, I&T practitioners, and start-ups, and the contribution to GDP from the city’s manufacturing industry. Despite Hong Kong’s Gross Domestic Expenditure on R&D (GERD) as a ratio to GDP having risen from 0.74% in 2016 to 0.99% in 2022, the figure is still below the Greater China average of 2.4%.   However, Hong Kong outstrips other Greater China regions in the aspects of average venture capital deal size and high-technology exports, highlighting the city’s edge as an international financial centre with its free market economy, thriving trade circumstances and liveable environment.   The study forecasts that Hong Kong’s ranking will rise to 6th in 2027 and 3rd in 2032 respectively if the city realises the vision outlined by the HKSAR Government in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint.   Table 1: Top 10 I&T Regions in Greater China Rank Region Overall R&D Start-ups Talent Industry Impact 1 Guangdong 6.77 2.03 2.08 1.00 0.46 1.20 2 Jiangsu 5.20 1.88 1.21 0.86 0.48 0.77 3 Beijing 4.72 2.22 1.68 0.15 0.14 0.52 4 Zhejiang 4.61 1.66 0.91 0.83 0.46 0.75 5 Taiwan 4.28 1.65 0.31 1.13 0.48 0.71 6 Shanghai 3.89 1.74 1.03 0.26 0.32 0.54 7 Hong Kong 3.53 0.82 1.09 0.29 0.00 1.33 8 Fujian 3.00 1.37 0.51 0.39 0.41 0.32 9 Shandong 2.90 1.22 0.30 0.31 0.47 0.60 10 Anhui 2.63 1.23 0.33 0.26 0.39 0.42   Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT, said, “Hong Kong has not fully leveraged its internationally recognised free-market economy due to the dominance of public investment in R&D expenditure. Guangdong, Jiangsu and Beijing, in contrast, have successfully optimised their investment policies promoting private capital investment in local start-ups. Hong Kong is advised to enhance private investment in R&D and strengthen the venture capital flow from the Mainland to Hong Kong in order to more effectively support the ongoing development of Fintech and the I&T ecosystem.”   Prof. Eric CHUI, Co-Director of PReCIT and Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences, continued, “The number of patents is a crucial parameter for measuring I&T advancement. R&D institutions in Hong Kong, including universities and enterprises, are encouraged to apply for patents and participate in setting standards with the Mainland to better align with the 14th Five-Year Plan. However, the cost of maintaining intellectual property rights in the early stages of start-ups is high, which discourages entrepreneurs from protecting their unique business ideas and competitiveness. The Government is recommended to increase the funding limit for each enterprise or individual application to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, and strengthen the I&T talent pool for long-term sustainability.”    2) Comparison of GBA with other Three Bay Areas The San Francisco Bay Area and Tokyo Bay Area rank 1st and 2nd among the world’s four largest Bay Areas with scores of 6.99 and 4.07 respectively, followed by the Greater Bay Area (3rd, score: 3.75) and the New York Bay Area (4th, score: 3.14).   Silicon Valley in the San Francisco Bay Area is home to some of the world's leading tech companies, and the Tokyo Bay Area is well-known for its advances in robotics and electronics, while the New York Metropolitan Area is a hub for finance and media. According to Table 2, the Greater Bay Area scores lowest in the R&D and Start-ups sub-categories. It scores the highest among the other three bay areas in the aspects of Talent and Impact to society.   Table 2: Four Bay Areas’ I&T Ranking Rank Bay Area Overall R&D Start-ups Talent Industry Impact 1 San Francisco 6.99 2.51 3.00 0.90 0.08 0.50 2 Tokyo 4.07 1.75 0.59 0.64 0.30 0.78 3 GBA 3.75 0.49 0.23 1.24 0.50 1.29 4 New York 3.14 0.97 1.01 0.75 0.00 0.41   Prof. Haitian LU, PolyU Director of Mainland Development and Core Member of PReCIT, commented, “To differentiate itself from other bay areas and consolidate its position as a global economic and technological powerhouse, the GBA is advised to more effectively address social innovation and inclusivity, and improve access to education and healthcare. Better integration within the GBA is crucial for enhancing its ranking in the future. Hong Kong can strengthen its collaboration with GBA cities by leveraging its strength as an international financial centre and accelerating interconnectivity within the Area to empower the GBA’s overall development.”   Dr Winnie TANG, Adjunct Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences and Founder and Honorary President of the Smart City Consortium, added, “As the first Interactive Map Dashboard for I&T index focusing on the Greater China region and bay areas, the index will serve as a platform to enhance collaboration and take the I&T development of Hong Kong to new heights. This is especially true in the areas of new industrialisation, digital economy and smart city, after Guangdong and Hong Kong signed the ‘Co-operation Agreement between Guangdong and the HKSAR on Co-developing a Smart City Cluster’ in March 2023 to enhance mutual exchanges within the GBA.”   Recommendations for Hong Kong Increase R&D expenditure and encourage patent licensing. Support I&T start-ups and establish the I&T ecosystem. Retain and attract I&T talents, and improve the public’s innovation awareness. Leverage Hong Kong’s strategic positions to accelerate new industralisation. Harness the green economy and enhance I&T development. Embrace the digital economy with the innovation evaluation framework. Accelerate GBA integration for building a leading international innovation and technology hub.   The full report is available at: https://polyu.me/PolyUInTIndex2023   Press Release: Click here (English Verision) Click here (Chinese Version)   Interactive Dashboard: Hong Kong and China I&T index (arcgis.com) Four Bay Areas Innovation and Technology Index (arcgis.com)   Established in 2022, PReCIT is a University-level interdisciplinary I&T think-tank. Its primary areas of research include carbon-neutral cities, Greater Bay Area I&T development, and the Belt and Road Initiative development in Southeast Asia.    Online Coverage: Now TV Programme (時事全方位) https://www.news.now.com/home/local/player5293696 https://www.news.now.com/home/local/player529370  Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/3YGYeXm Now.com - https://polyu.me/3DYDyAC RTHK - https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/news-programmes/20230915 Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/47BBRH2 Oriental Daily News - https://polyu.me/3R0E49l; https://polyu.me/3DYya0w Hong Kong Business Times - https://polyu.me/3E2yewq Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/45dV6or ThinkHK - https://www.thinkhk.com/article/2023-08/17/61195.html Infocast - http://iportal.infocastfn.com/taitak_portal/News/viewInfocastNews AAstock -  http://www.aastocks.com/tc/stocks/news/infocast-news/IC4115522/1 QUAM - https://www.quamnet.com/post/8pGr24jtHaRHriHy0bej_ Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/45jt3nS China Daily - https://www.chinadailyhk.com/article/346494 China News Service - https://polyu.me/44eTV73 East Money - https://polyu.me/3OF6jHB   Print Coverage: Oriental Daily News   Hong Kong Economic Journal     Ta Kung Pao   Sing Tao Daily  

Prof. Christopher CHAO : Hong Kong is Attractive to International Talents

In an interview with The Greater Bay Area Education Think Tank, Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and PReCIT Director of PolyU stated that Hong Kong offers abundant opportunities for industrial development despite its small area. To commercialise research outcomes, collaboration with cities in the Greater Bay Area and the industrial chain across the nation is crucial. The top-notch local universities could conduct research for the intermediate goods for the industrial chain. He also pointed out that Hong Kong is attractive to international talents for its international city with close proximity to the mainland market in massive demand, making it a significant gateway for Western enterprises to enter the mainland market. However, Prof. CHAO noted that HKSAR government's subsidies for entrepreneurs are insufficient, posing challenges in attracting top talent. To address this, PolyU is actively strengthening international scientific research cooperation, increasing exchange activities, and enhancing Hong Kong's global influence in the research community.  He added that PolyU is preparing to establish multiple research institutes in mainland China to nurture Doctors of Engineer and to boost the number of startups in the mainland, in order to support local economic development and talent retention.   The full version is available at: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/swoGwYq03Ap2  

Architects say the Green Deck is beneficial to the Community

Mr Alex Lui Chun-wan, Project Director of PolyU’s Green Deck Project Management Office, exchanged views on the Green Deck with renowned architects. They all agreed that the Green Deck would be beneficial to the community in various aspects.   More is available at https://www.stheadline.com/society/3261035/    

Future Innovation of Hong Kong Rests on Strategic Decisions

Prof. Haitian Lu, Dr Sirui Han and Ruoxi Li of PReCIT discussed the need for Hong Kong to accelerate its efforts in developing supercomputing in the letter to 《SCMP》.   The full version is available at: https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3230026/research    

APSS Signed a MoU with Vietnam National University and Held a Successful International Conference on Social Work Without Barriers on 1st and 2nd August 2023

The international conference "Make a Difference – Social Work Without Barriers" successfully took place in Hanoi, Vietnam on 1st and 2nd of August 2023. It was organised by the China and Global Development Network (CGDN) of the Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Faculty of Sociology at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University (VNU). The event attracted over 150 attendees from more than 20 countries, such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Laos, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand South Korea, and Vietnam. The discussions revolved around advancing social services for social development, with a focus on the ASEAN region. During the conference, the two universities signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research and student activities in social work. In the presence of witnesses from both universities, Prof. Eric CHUI, Professor and Head of APSS and Co-Director of PReCIT, and Dr Dao TRUONG, Vice-Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU, Hanoi, signed a MoU. Deputy Minister of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs, Mr Nguyen Van HOI also witnessed the signing ceremony. Prof. Hoang Anh TUAN, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU, highly appreciated the partnership with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in the field of social work, thereby benefiting individuals and communities in the ASEAN region and beyond. Amongst other distinguished speakers, Prof. Mona KHOURY from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Prof. Annamaria CAMPANIMI, President of the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), and Prof. Ben KU, Professor of APSS and Director of CGDN, gave their presentations on sustainability and social work education. The conference featured four plenary sessions and twelve parallel sessions. Over 50 presentations were made, covering various topics such as sustainable development in social work training, the role of social work in addressing social issues, managing change in high-risk societies, regional cooperation and development, and social development and welfare worldwide. The impact of climate change on vulnerable groups and the role of social work in promoting sustainable development were also discussed.   Online coverage: University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University: https://ussh.vnu.edu.vn/en/news/characters-events/cooperation0801 Dan Sinh - https://polyu.me/3YgxrBh Nhan Dan - https://polyu.me/4599ttQ Giao Duc Thoi Dai - https://polyu.me/3DHiUoO Dan Tri - https://polyu.me/3KpyzwD  

How the City Can Help Companies Raise Their Standards in ESG

Prof Haitian Lu, Dr Sirui Han and Dr Xiaolin Zhu of PReCIT discussed how to facilitate small businesses to raise their standards in environmental, social and governance (ESG) in the letter to the editor of 《SCMP》.    Full version is available at: https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3229016/    

香港工程科學院成員赴深圳交流 - Chinese Only

香港理工大學校長兼香港工程科學院院長滕錦光教授日前率領30多名香港工程科學院院士、香港高校校長及教授到深圳進行考察交流活動，到訪比亞迪及華為 。理大副校長（研究及創新）兼科技及創新政策研究中心(PReCIT)主任趙汝恒教授、理大協理副校長（研究及創新）王鑽開教授，以及香港中聯辦教科部副部長葉水球先生亦有隨行 。   媒體報導： People.com - http://sz.people/2023/0722/c202846 SZOnline - https://szonline//230724/20230728

Prof. Christopher CHAO on Country’s Space Projects

Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT of PolyU, shared on participation in China’s aerospace projects as well as aviation education in an event about aerospace technology education.   Online Coverage: Bauhinia - https://bau.com.hk/article/20230723/content113 Ta Kung Pao - https://www.tkww.hk/202307/22/AP64b Dot Dot News - https://www.dotdotnews.com/202307/22/AP6 China News Service - https://chinanews.com.cn/dwq/230723/1004 ifeng.com - https://news.ifeng.com/c/8RdH5

VP(RI) Meets Hubei Government Offical for Collaboration on Innovation and Research Commercialisation (Chinese Only)

香港理工大學副校長（研究及創新）兼科技及創新政策研究中心(PReCIT)主任趙汝恒教授日前與湖北副省長邵新宇會面及進行交流，雙方期望在科技創新、成果轉化、人才培育等方面加強合作，實現互補與共贏。   媒體報道：https://epaper.hubeidaily.net/2307/20/content234631