Hong Kong’s Bold Step into the European Innovation Landscape
On March 17, 2025, Mr. Albert Wong, the CEO of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), spearheaded a dynamic delegation on a European Innovation Mixer tour that showcased Hong Kong’s commitment to fostering innovation and technology (I&T). This ambitious initiative engaged over 1,000 students and I&T talents, inspiring them to explore opportunities in Hong Kong’s burgeoning ecosystem. The tour not only highlighted the vibrant prospects available in Hong Kong but also resulted in securing over 1,000 business collaboration opportunities, further solidifying the city’s position as a global I&T hub.
A Successful Showcase at Mobile World Congress 2025
A significant highlight of the European tour was the participation in the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 held in Barcelona. In collaboration with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), HKSTP led a delegation of 24 I&T companies to this prestigious event. The Hong Kong Pavilion attracted an impressive footfall of over 7,500 visitors, including representatives from major global telecommunications brands such as AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Vodafone. This engagement not only showcased Hong Kong’s innovative capabilities but also resulted in the establishment of more than 1,000 business collaboration opportunities, marking a significant step forward in international partnerships.
In a strategic move to enhance cross-regional collaboration, HKSTP signed a cooperation agreement with 22@Network Barcelona. This partnership aims to promote sustainable development in innovative technologies, further bridging the gap between Hong Kong and European innovation ecosystems.
Engaging with Top Universities in the UK
The delegation’s itinerary included visits to several prestigious universities in the UK, including Imperial College London, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and University College London. These institutions, consistently ranked among the world’s top 10, provided a fertile ground for discussions on collaboration in talent development and startup incubation.
During their visit, the HKSTP delegation hosted multiple sharing sessions, engaging directly with over 300 local students. These interactions were designed to introduce internship and career opportunities at Hong Kong Science Park, emphasizing the importance of returning to Hong Kong for work or entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to harness the skills and knowledge of students studying abroad, encouraging them to contribute to the growth of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem.
Fostering Investment and Collaboration in London
In London, HKSTP co-hosted a seminar with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO-London), Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES). This event attracted nearly 100 attendees from the local business community, academia, and the I&T sector, all eager to explore Hong Kong’s potential for investment and collaboration.
The seminar featured keynote speeches that highlighted the dynamic prospects of Hong Kong’s I&T development. Mr. Albert Wong emphasized the importance of nurturing next-generation I&T talent, stating, “As a growing engine situated at an international I&T hub in Asia, the HKSTP understands that nurturing next-generation I&T talent is as important as any R&D project, if not more.” This sentiment underscores the commitment to not only advance research and development but also to cultivate a skilled workforce that can drive innovation.
New Talent Program to Attract Overseas Professionals
In line with its mission to bolster Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem, HKSTP is set to launch a new talent program aimed at attracting Hong Kong students and research professionals currently abroad. This initiative will provide eligible park companies with targeted salary subsidies and accommodation support for returning professionals. By incentivizing these individuals to leverage the immense opportunities within Hong Kong, HKSTP is taking proactive steps to ensure a sustainable future for the city’s innovation landscape.
Through these multifaceted efforts, HKSTP is not only enhancing its local ecosystem but also positioning Hong Kong as a leading global I&T hub. The combination of international collaboration, talent development, and strategic partnerships is paving the way for a vibrant future in innovation and technology.
