We all have a role in promoting innovation

In the future, international competition will be all about innovation. Many economies are aware of the importance of innovation; the SAR is no exception. It is true that Hong Kong’s investment in scientific research still lags behind international levels, and the government says it is not turning a blind eye to this. But the obvious conclusion is more investment in technology will help promote innovation. This is why I support the idea of having more investment in research: It will definitely yield long-term benefits.

We have to make society aware of the importance of innovation. If people do not become more knowledgeable about it then it will not be easy to implement a policy on innovation. Many people say Hong Kong students are shortsighted. They prefer to seek short-term returns. Hong Kong is a global financial center and many students do their majors in business administration. However, this is not necessarily a healthy thing because we need to develop a pool of talented people to encourage future innovation.

In this regard, the government should understand that if young people feel that innovation does not provide them with opportunities for upward social mobility, they will still prefer to focus on subjects that yield short-term returns. This will hurt Hong Kong’s long-term competitiveness because there will be too few people with skills in innovation.

Apart from the government, society can also participate in changing the people’s perception on innovation. In this regard, the InnoTech Expo organized by the Our Hong Kong Foundation next month is a good attempt to develop interest in innovation. Based on information released by the foundation, the expo will demonstrate China’s latest technological innovations, including examples of innovation produced by Hong Kong universities. I agree with this idea because the exhibition has three important elements. These are vital parameters for developing future innovation in Hong Kong.

First, there is China’s strength in science. Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, so cooperation with the mainland in innovation and technological research is a logical step forward. The InnoTech Expo will showcase the mainland’s achievements in scientific research. This will give society a chance to discuss ways Hong Kong can cooperate with the mainland in exploratory research. It also enhances people’s confidence in the mainland’s strength in scientific research. This confidence building will be crucial for long-term cooperation in areas of innovation and economic development.

Second, participation by Hong Kong’s universities in this event can demonstrate Hong Kong’s strength in innovation. Universities in Hong Kong have world-class rankings in their research outputs. When people realize that Hong Kong actually has strength in innovation and technological research, support for innovation and technological research will be higher. It also highlights that Hong Kong can have great potential when it comes to innovation.

Finally, one special feature of the expo is the emphasis on the application of innovation in daily life. People generally have vague perceptions about scientific research. A common impression about innovation is that it is about rocket science and high-tech laboratory research. However, through the InnoTech Expo, people can learn how innovation is closely related to their daily lives. This is a great opportunity to promote a culture of innovation.

That is why I have high hopes for the expo next month. I really hope this can have long-term influence and will not just be a one-off event.

Apart from the government, society can also participate in changing the people’s perception on innovation.”