Archive - Year 2001

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IT researchers and businesses establish partnership in forum
19 - 06 - 2001

Information technology (IT) researchers and the business sector were given an opportunity to establish partnership in a forum today (June 19).

The "Tripartite Forum on Commercialisation of IT Research Results 2001" held today was an annual event which provides the academics with an opportunity to transform their IT research results into applications with the necessary support from the industry.

The Forum also enables IT industrialists and investment professionals to exchange views and experience over the commercialisation of IT research results.

A total of 15 selected researches representing some of the most innovative IT developments in Hong Kong were presented in the Forum, attracting more than 150 IT industry practitioners, researchers and investment professionals.

The Forum was jointly organised by the Information Technology Services Department (ITSD), the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation and the Hong Kong Venture Capital Association Limited.

This is the third time that the parties have joined efforts to organise the event. This year, the Hong Kong Productivity Council has also provided support for the Forum.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Forum today, the Acting Director of Information Technology Services, Mr Cheng Yan-chee, said,"With an aim to bolster the IT development in Hong Kong, the Tripartite Forum on Commercialisation of IT Research Results is organised to provide a channel for acquisition and transfer of technology. This in turn can bring about technology upgrade and foster innovations for Hong Kong."

"Innovation and technology are critical means to sharpen our future by enhancing our competitiveness and improving our productivity.

"The Government will continue to play a very vital role to facilitate the development of IT and to strengthen the private sector's capability to develop innovative ideas for commercial use," he added.

Mr Cheng noted that, to strengthen our capability of developing innovative ideas, the Government had established the HK$5 billion Innovation and Technology Fund to finance projects that contribute to innovation and technological upgrading of our industries.

Venture capital is also provided through the HK$750 million Applied Research Fund to the private sector to assist companies undertaking technologically innovative projects with real commercial potential.

The Government's flagship IT infrastructure development, the Cyberport, will create an environment where creativity will be enhanced by the fruitful exchange of ideas and technology.

The Forum today and the tripartite exchanges it provides work towards the goals of the 2001 Digital 21 Strategy recently launched by the Government. They help to leverage Hong Kong's strengths in the exploitation of enabling technologies.

Successful commercialisation of research results will also help place Hong Kong firmly on the e-business global map and secure international recognition and investment.

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