IT researchers given chance to commercialise research results
07 - 03 - 2002

Information technology (IT) researchers from Hong Kong and the Mainland presented their research results with a view to transforming them into commercial applications in a forum today (March 7).

A total of 16 selected researches representing some of the most innovative IT developments in Hong Kong and the Mainland were presented to IT industrialists and investment companies in the "Tripartite Forum on Commercialisation of IT Research Results 2002" today.

It was the first time that researchers from the Mainland took part in the forum which was an annual event jointly organised by the Information Technology Services Department, the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation and the Hong Kong Venture Capital Association Limited.

The Forum was organised to provide a channel for the acquisition and transfer of technology that in turn will bring about technology upgrade and will bolster the development of IT in Hong Kong.

It also provided a converging point for the establishment of partnerships between IT researchers and the business sector, and enabled IT industrialists and investment professionals to exchange views and experience over the commercialisation of IT research results.

Today's forum was organised for the fourth time and was supported by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council this year.

Some 100 IT industry practitioners, researchers and investment professionals were attracted to the event.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Forum today, the Director of Information Technology Services, Mr Alan Wong Chi-kong, said, "To transform Hong Kong into a leading digital city in the digitally connected world, the Government recognises that it has a role to play as a promoter and a facilitator."

"Hong Kong, as one of the freest and most open economies in the world, has already created an environment that nurtures innovation and technology," he said.

Mr Wong said that high-tech projects such as the Cyberport and the Science Park had attracted considerable investment interest.

He believed that these projects would create an environment conducive to the fruitful exchange of innovative ideas and technology.

To strengthen Hong Kong's capability of developing innovative ideas, the Government has established the $5 billion Innovation and Technology Fund to provide financial support to projects that will contribute to innovation and technological upgrading in our economy.

New technological ventures are also supported by the Government through the $750 million Applied Research Fund.

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