Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation CEO Ja Yichao: Hong Kong's role in innovation and technology is growing.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

During the sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Jia Yichao, a member of the 14th CPPCC National Committee and Chairman of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, gave an exclusive interview to a China News Service correspondent. Answering questions about the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong, he noted that his greatest concern is narrowing the gap between scientific research and industry, turning Hong Kong's innovative advantages into a solid foundation for the country's high-quality development.

Jia Yichao stated that the previous model of "build first, attract investment later" no longer works in the technology sector. Currently, the Northern Metropolis of Hong Kong and the Xintian Science and Technology City employ "pre-investment attraction." Even before projects begin, companies' needs are determined, for example, for supercomputer center computing power, microelectronics production lines, research space planning, and so on.

The proposals for the 15th Five-Year Plan set the tone for innovation and technology in Hong Kong. The government is sending two important signals: first, support for Hong Kong's better integration into national development, with the role of the special administrative region being enhanced, transforming from a beneficiary to a creator of benefits; second, an emphasis on scientific and technological self-sufficiency and self-reliance, which requires Hong Kong to transform its research and development capabilities into an industrial engine.

Areas such as healthcare, artificial intelligence, new materials, microelectronics, and others represent both Hong Kong's strengths and the country's needs. Hong Kong will soon open its third medical institute, which will train specialists in life sciences; an AI R&D institute will soon begin operations, transforming computing power into productive capacity; and the northern metropolis will host advanced manufacturing facilities with high added value.

The Hong Kong Hetao Innovation and Technology Cooperation Zone Park has officially been put into operation, and the coordinated development of innovation and technology between Shenzhen and Hong Kong has entered the practical stage.

The Shenzhen branch of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park has achieved impressive success: 90 companies have established themselves there, attracted over 800 million yuan in investment, and supported over 100 "northbound" companies for market development and 35 "southbound" companies for further development. An innovation chain is being formed on both sides of the same river.

In 2026, Jia Yichao expects the free movement of people, goods, capital, and information. He believes that "when these four flows are free, innovation and technology flourish." Shenzhen and Hong Kong have a symbiotic relationship; they must work together to grow the innovation "pie."

In the context of the global "battle for talent," Jia Yichao believes that talent flow is an extension of the ecosystem. Hong Kong and cities in the Greater Bay Area must coordinate their efforts. He hopes for more comprehensive supporting measures to attract talent from around the world.

The opening of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's listing channels for Chapters 18A (biotechnology) and 18C (specialized technologies) has inspired hope in innovative and technology companies. The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HSTP) has facilitated more than 470 investment deals with park companies through its venture capital funds over the past five years, raising a total of over HK$164 billion, helping small and start-up businesses overcome funding challenges. Furthermore, the Special Administrative Region government has invested over HK$200 billion, and several leading global companies have located their research centers in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the number of unicorn companies is growing. Jia Yichao is confident about the future of innovation and technology in Hong Kong.

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