The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has submitted its recommendations to the HKSAR Government for the 2025 Policy Address. The recommendations focus on two key themes: driving economic development and improving people's livelihoods.
Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Director of PReCIT, said, "Leveraging Hong Kong's unique position as a global innovation hub and PolyU's research excellence, we are committed to proposing policy recommendations that foster sustainable growth, stimulate economic vitality, and enhance community well-being."
Key recommendations include:
1. Driving Economic Development
Consolidating Hong Kong's Aerospace Research Resources to Support Industry's Development
Currently, universities, enterprises and researchers working in the Hong Kong aerospace sector operate in a fragmented manner, with limited collaboration. To promote cross-sector collaboration and national integration, PReCIT recommends that the HKSAR Government establish a "Hong Kong Aerospace Coordination Office" and create a "Hong Kong Aerospace Special Fund" to support research development and public education. Additionally, a "Fast-Track Transfer Scheme" is proposed to accelerate the commercialisation of aerospace technologies and promote the civilian application of aerospace technologies developed through national projects.
To strengthen talent development, PReCIT suggests that the Government support the establishment of aerospace engineering programmes, fund curriculum development, attract international experts as visiting professors and implement a "Hong Kong Young Aerospace Talents Scheme" to sponsor young researchers for technical training, internships and mission participation in mainland laboratories or launch sites.
Accelerating Digital Transformation in Hong Kong's Tourism and Service Industries
To enhance customer experience and operational efficiency in Hong Kong's tourism and service industries, PReCIT recommends that enterprises adopt AI-powered tools to optimise customer service, streamline booking processes and provide personalised travel recommendations.
Furthermore, PReCIT advises the Government to expand funding support and incentives, such as tax benefits and the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme to help tourism enterprises adopt relevant technologies. The establishment of the Digital Tourism Academy is also recommended to upskill staff and foster innovation, with an emphasis on integrating culture, sports and tourism for diversified development in the Greater Bay Area.
Advancing the Low-Altitude Economy (LAE)
Strengthening ground infrastructure is crucial for accelerating the implementation of LAE applications. PReCIT recommends that the Government utilise artificial intelligence (AI) and geographic information systems (GISs) for precise analysis to identify suitable infrastructure locations and integrate solar-powered charging infrastructure into urban spaces. To further advance LAE, the Government should deepen cooperation with Guangdong and Macao in building smart city clusters and enhance civil servants' skills in AI and GISs applications to improve data analysis and ensure smoother project implementation.
Investing in drone logistics networks and infrastructure is key to establishing a mature and efficient logistics system. PReCIT suggests that the Government prioritise the development of drone logistics networks to drive innovation and efficiency, including constructing take-off and landing stations to centralise drone operations, reduce safety risks, and improve logistics efficiency and the opening of low-altitude flight corridors. As drone technology rapidly evolves, safety remains a major challenge. The Government and industry regulators should expedite the development of technical standards and certification protocols.
Advancing New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and Green Energy in Hong Kong
PReCIT emphasises the urgency of expanding NEV infrastructure and promoting NEV adoption through policy and education; strengthening the NEV ecosystem; deploying floating solar photovoltaic systems and energy storage technologies; leveraging hydrogen energy and a complementary green solution; establishing data collaboration platforms; and driving innovation and technology development to lead the city towards sustainable transportation and a green future.
Promoting Carbon Trading and Carbon Pricing in Hong Kong
PReCIT recommends the establishment of a carbon trading market in Hong Kong, the implementation of carbon pricing policies and the development of comprehensive policy frameworks to promote sustainable practices and foster green economic growth.
Development of Hong Kong's Engineering Field
To foster innovation in the construction industry, PReCIT suggests the adoption of building integrated photovoltaics by offering gross floor area concessions for new and renovated commercial buildings that incorporate these systems. Regional and global collaboration should be considered, including collaborative funding programmes with Guangdong and Macao, as well as training courses, conferences and exhibitions to enhance Hong Kong's global competitiveness in the construction and engineering sectors. The Government should also consider launching financing schemes to help young professionals obtain mainland professional qualifications.
2. Improving People's Livelihoods
Promote the Development of Hong Kong as an International Hub for Post-secondary Education
PReCIT recommends the Government to expand the capacity of local universities to maintain high-level performance by accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town. It also proposes tripling the quota of Belt and Road scholarships to 450 and raising the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme award places to 600, attracting outstanding talents and enhancing research capabilities, thus further elevating Hong Kong's international standing. Additionally, the establishment of a government-guaranteed loan scheme to support international students is recommended, alleviating financial pressures and strengthening Hong Kong's position as a global educational hub.
Enhance the Health of the People
To improve Hong Kong's healthcare services, PReCIT recommends integrating direct access to physiotherapy and occupational therapy services within all Social Welfare Department subsidised services, community care services, or district elderly community centres, together with the establishment of early disease screening mechanisms to achieve "early prevention, early detection and early treatment." In terms of healthcare research and technology, it is advised to strengthen research in antimicrobial resistance and multidrug resistance and actively respond to the era of AI and machine learning to accelerate the high-quality development and use of these technologies in healthcare. The Government is also encouraged to support the development and integration of formalised optometry specialisation pathways, with a focus on paediatric optometry, vision therapy, geriatric eye care and low vision rehabilitation.
Promote the Use of Sustainable Energy and Create a More Sustainable Environment
PReCIT recommends that the Government to optimise energy and waste renewable structure, such as by providing financial incentives to encourage businesses and households to install renewable energy systems, therefore building a carbon neutral city. The establishment of a dedicated research institutes focused on interdisciplinary studies that integrate microbiology, agricultural science and food policy is also proposed.
Prof. Eric CHUI, Co-Director of PReCIT and Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences, said, "Our interdisciplinary team of scholars has drawn on the University's cutting-edge research and expertise to formulate evidence-based solutions that address both immediate challenges and long-term opportunities for the city's sustainable growth."
Dr Chili WU, Associate Director of PReCIT and Principal Research Fellow of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, added, "We look forward to working closely with the Government and community partners to turn our recommendations into meaningful actions, contributing to a vibrant, resilient and sustainable future for Hong Kong."
For the full text of the recommendation report, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/precit/research/publications/
