Talent, new industries: HK accelerates innovation-led transformation

As China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) embarks on its first five-year plan for economic and social development (2026-2030), the city is strengthening its "four centers" – International Financial Center, International Transportation Center, International Trade Center, and the Center for International Legal and Dispute Resolution Services – and building an international high-end talent hub to drive innovation-led growth.

The blueprint places emphasis on integrating education, technology and talent development while accelerating the Northern Metropolis, attracting global talent and advancing new industrialization to enhance Hong Kong's international competitiveness.

An innovation corridor Located next to Shenzhen in south China's Guangdong Province and covering about a third of Hong Kong's land area, the Northern Metropolis, a major pillar of Hong Kong's future development, is being developed into a hub for industry, technology and talent.

In early September, Secretary for Development for the HKSAR Bernadette Linn Hon-ho said the construction of the area has begun to show results, with a diversified development plan gradually taking shape.

Located at the heart of the Northern Metropolis, the San Tin Technopole is regarded as a key driver of Hong Kong's innovation and technology development.

In June, the HKSAR government established San Tin Technopole Company Limited to spearhead the development of the 210-hectare innovation and technology land, with the aim of establishing a major base for emerging technology industries and new quality productive forces.

In addition, key projects, including the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP), the Lau Fau Shan Digital Technology Hub and Sha Ling Data Park, will provide more than 340 hectares of land for innovation and technology, forming a cross-boundary innovation corridor with Shenzhen.

The Northern Metropolis University Town, comprising three distinct sites, is set to expand from 100 hectares to 300 hectares, which will not only help universities accelerate campus development in the area but also pool resources to achieve greater scale and foster synergies among education, research and industry.

The HSITP has already attracted more than 100 innovation and technology enterprises, laying a solid foundation for establishing HKSAR as a world-class innovation and technology hub.

Cultivating global talent To support innovation-driven growth, Hong Kong is strengthening its position as an international hub for high-end talent.

The HKSAR government has introduced measures such as the Top Talent Pass Scheme, improved talent admission programs and the establishment of Hong Kong Talent Engage to attract global professionals.