HKSTP Supports the Policy Address in Driving Economic Growth Actively Advancing the I&T Industry to Enhance Hong Kong’s Overall Competitiveness

(Hong Kong, 17 September 2025) — Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) welcomes the Policy Address’s introduction of a series of forward-looking measures to accelerate Hong Kong’s roadmap from stability to prosperity, drive economic diversification in a holistic manner, and expand new engines of growth. The Policy Address demonstrates clear and continued support for the sustained development of the innovation and technology (I&T) sector and for deeper regional and global collaboration. Key initiatives include expediting the development of the San Tin Technopole of Northern Metropolis, and the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Co-operation Zone; advancing new industrialisation, and attracting high-calibre international talent to Hong Kong. These strategic measures will help continuously enhance Hong Kong’s overall competitiveness.

Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of the HKSTP, said, “The latest Policy Address places significant focus on driving economic growth, advancing development, and improving livelihoods. The widespread application of artificial intelligence (AI) across various industries will lead Hong Kong into a new era of breakthroughs. At the same time, accelerating the Northern Metropolis development and removing institutional barriers will provide strong momentum for Hong Kong’s I&T sector. These efforts will boost job creation, accelerate new industrialisation, and drive high-quality development. HKSTP is fully committed to supporting the Government in implementing these initiatives. We will capitalise on the opportunities under 'One Country, Two Systems' and leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages of “Bringing in and Going Global”. Through these efforts, we aim to drive sustainable economic growth and further elevate Hong Kong’s status as a leading international I&T hub.”

Accelerating Northern Metropolis Development and Advancing San Tin Technopole
HKSTP welcomes the Policy Address’s strong commitment to accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis, including the establishment of the Chief Executive led Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis. The introduction of streamlined administrative procedures and policy enhancements, such as piloting a phased development approach by first constructing low-density facilities to attract early footfall, adopting diversified models like in-situ land exchange and "large-scale land disposal" approach to encourage market participation, enabling flexible land allocation, and formulating dedicated legislation for the Northern Metropolis to expedite development, will significantly drive progress across the Northern Metropolis. San Tin Technopole is located in the heart of the Northern Metropolis, an approximately 20-hectare of I&T land in the San Tin area will be handed over to HKSTP for development and operation starting from 2026/27. HKSTP is currently conducting a master planning for the HKSTP San Tin Technopole Campus (Tentative Name), and is fully committed to advancing the project with speed and efficiency, establishing a complete and integrated I&T value chain through close collaboration with technology clusters across the Greater Bay Area. 

Driving the Development and Application of AI
We welcome the Government’s concrete measures to advance AI development, including establishing an AI Efficacy Enhancement Team, promoting technological innovation across government departments, and fostering the growth of the AI and data science sectors. HKSTP is home to a vibrant ecosystem of over 500 AI companies and more than 5,000 technology professionals. With strengths in cutting-edge technologies, our ecosystem spans the full innovation value chain from upstream R&D, through midstream pilot testing and application, to downstream commercialisation and mass production. This seamless integration enables an I&T value chain from “1 to 100” that accelerates the translation of AI research into real-world solutions and nurtures talent. Looking ahead, the HKSTP San Tin Technopole Campus (Tentative Name) will focus on empowering industry development through AI+ applications, enabling multiple sectors with AI to drive long-term growth and competitiveness. 

"Bringing in and Going Global" in Further Deepening International Cooperation
HKSTP welcomes the Government’s initiative to deepen international engagement and cooperation. We have been actively helping I&T enterprises expand into overseas markets, bringing research outcomes to market and delivering benefits worldwide. In alignment with the Government, we are leveraging Hong Kong’s role as a connector between the Mainland and the international community to attract more enterprises to use Hong Kong as a platform to go global. We are also leading park companies to explore business opportunities abroad, including in the Middle East and Belt and Road regions, while continuing to participate in major international I&T events, such as Consumer Electronics Show and the BIO International Convention in the United States and VivaTech in France, to explore collaboration in technological innovation. 

Enhancing Policies to Build an International Hub for High-calibre Talents
Industry, academia and research are key pillars of I&T development, and talent is the critical driver. We welcome the Government’s new initiatives to attract high-calibre talent to Hong Kong, including the Young Talent Training Programme, the Innovation and Technology Talents Exchange Scheme, the promotion of the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, the relaxation of intake quotas for self-financed admissions, and the recruitment of international academic and research talent and students. HKSTP believes these measures will significantly strengthen Hong Kong’s appeal to both local and international talent. We are fully committed to supporting these efforts and will continue to drive a wide range of talent development programmes, including thematic career expos, global internship schemes, and other targeted initiatives to attract, nurture and retain talent in the I&T sector. Through these multi‑pronged efforts, we aim to create more opportunities for talent and further solidify Hong Kong’s position as a premier international hub for high‑calibre talent. 

Sustaining Investment to Support Industry Development and New Industrialisation
HKSTP fully supports the Government’s continued investment in advancing new industrialisation, including expediting the establishment of the third InnoHK research cluster, lowering the application threshold for the “New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme” (NIAS), and launching the ‘Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund’ to support industrial upgrading and transformation, and to actively guide market investment towards strategic emerging and future industries. In February this year, Jean-Marie Pharmacal Co., Ltd, located in HKSTP’s Tai Po InnoPark, submitted the first project supported by the “New Industrialisation Vetting Committee” and will set up new smart pharmaceutical production lines at Tai Po InnoPark. HKSTP will support more advanced manufacturing firms in translating R&D outcomes into production, building an industrial value chain for new quality productive forces.  

The Government has also announced the allocation of a three-hectare site adjacent to the Microelectronics Centre (MEC) at Yuen Long InnoPark to HKSTP. We are refining the detailed development plan for the site. In parallel, the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research & Development Institute (MRDI) will establish two pilot lines at the MEC, further cultivating a vibrant microelectronics ecosystem, and promoting high value-added new industrialisation.

Advancing the Low-Altitude Economy and Driving More Applications 
The low-altitude economy is emerging as a key engine for developing new quality productive forces. HKSTP welcomes the Government’s commitment to build a low-altitude economy ecosystem, which includes the improving the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks and launching an enhanced low‑altitude economy “Regulatory Sandbox X” pilot. As one of the designated pilot sites, Hong Kong Science Park will fully support the Government in driving more pilot projects and application scenarios, unlocking its potential and creating new momentum for growth.

Conclusion
The Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 recently announced its Top 100 Science and Technology Clusters rankings at Hong Kong Science Park, with the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster ranking first in the world. In addition, the Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Talent Ranking 2025 placed Hong Kong fourth globally, a sharp rise from ninth last year, making it the top-ranked in Asia. These results show that the HKSAR Government’s policies on education, I&T, and talent attraction are on the right track and delivering results. 

Hong Kong is at a critical juncture in its economic transformation, where I&T are essential to driving high-quality development. HKSTP will actively press ahead with the development of the HKSTP San Tin Technopole Campus (Tentative Name) and fully support the Government in implementing the initiatives set out in the Policy Address, while proactively supporting startups across all sectors. With the motherland as Hong Kong’s strongest backing, we will seize the opportunities of technological transformation to further grow the I&T industry and help make it a key engine of Hong Kong’s economic growth.