Opinion | To rise as a tech hub, Hong Kong must fund and prioritise innovation
Despite Hong Kong’s academic and research prowess, government support for innovation has historically been lower than in Singapore and Shenzhen
In the era of the hub economy, competitive cities must expand beyond their traditional roles as commercial and financial hubs. As Hong Kong universities rise in global rankings, the question is whether the trend will propel the city into becoming a powerhouse of scientific research and technological breakthroughs.
But Hong Kong’s academic excellence is remarkable. Over 1,500 scientists from the city were among the world’s top 2 per cent most cited, with 13 ranking among the top 10 globally in their fields, according to a list by Stanford University and Elsevier. Surpassing Taiwan and Singapore in these rankings is a testament to Hong Kong’s commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation.
On Research.com’s ranking of the world’s best scholars, out of the 22 from China, seven were at Hong Kong universities. Hong Kong is also on the top 10 list of places with the world’s most influential researchers, according to Clarivate. The influx of top talent has played a significant role in elevating Hong Kong’s academic status and fostering a vibrant research community.
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But challenges also loom large. Hong Kong faces obstacles such as space constraints and funding limitations which hinder its global tech hub ambitions.
