Letters | To drive innovation in Hong Kong, start with the government

Readers discuss public-sector-led initiatives to spark innovation around the world, and the Singapore government’s efforts to curb the impact of inflation.

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People walk past a transparent poster showing Hong Kong’s sklyline in June 2022. Photo: Felix Wong

Published: 11:30am, 4 Sep 2024

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Innovation is demand-driven. So far, the Hong Kong government has focused a lot on a supply-driven approach by encouraging research and development, the growth of start-ups and the import of tech talent. I am pleased to see that the chief executive has urged businesses to proactively adopt new technologies during his policy address consultation exercise. But business-led innovation is not good enough. Let’s not forget the role of the public sector in driving innovation.

The government is the largest provider of public goods, such as education and health services. Its procurement policies and processes will influence what private sector suppliers offer.

Barcelona’s smart city initiatives have resulted in government partnerships with tech companies to innovate in energy, transport and public services delivery. Despite Singapore being a small market, it is now the education technology hub of Southeast Asia in large part because its Ministry of Education promulgated the EdTech Master Plan 2030. Singapore has a vibrant training and adult education industry because of the Skills Future movement, which encourages training providers to develop and adopt innovative learning approaches.

The UK Small Business Research Initiative funds small businesses’ plans to develop innovative solutions for public sector challenges. Siemens has increased its operations in India because of its government’s Smart Cities Mission, an initiative Amazon is also taking part in.

We often joke about the Hong Kong government asking residents and businesses to use fax, CD-ROMs and other relics of the 20th century. The newly established Digital Policy Office seeks to drive the development of digital government in Hong Kong. To realise its mission, this office will need to work closely with the Civil Service College in cultivating an innovation mindset in the government and in equipping civil servants with the necessary digital skills. We also need incentives for civil servants to change.