Hong Kong, a long-standing global financial hub, has been grappling to stay competitive in the technology and innovation sector. High rents and limited investment have seen it fall behind neighboring cities such as Shenzhen, Beijing, Seoul, and Singapore.
Since the dawn of the new millennium, the Hong Kong Government has been striving to bolster the city's innovation ecosystem. The establishment of the Hong Kong Science Park aimed to create an environment conducive to high-tech enterprises, fostering innovation and collaboration at both local and global levels. However, the outcomes have not quite met expectations.
The "Golden Egg" is a famous landmark in the Science Park, located at the central position of the second phase. Its official name is the "Charles K. Kao Auditorium", named after Professor Charles K. Kao, the father of fiber optics, to commend his outstanding achievements in the field of scientific research.
Hong Kong does not lack technological research, in fact, university research always scores high in worldwide ranking. However, locals are unwilling to take part in the innovation industry. The concepts of earning money and stability were planted since young, either by doing property development or being a lawyer or doctor. Technology is considered a high-risk career with no guaranteed income. Also, concepts are easily developed but there is a lack of space due to high rent for putting into practice. There was a student from China who studied in Hong Kong but he chose to return to Shenzhen to set up his own firm DJI, which is now the world-leading drone company.
The Science Park is adjacent to the bike path, and many cyclists from Shatin to Tai Po will rest at the Science Park to replenish their energy. On weekends or holidays, the Science Park will often rent out spaces for organizations to host events such as food festivals and music festivals, making the Science Park busier than usual. Apart from the Science Park, there is another innovation and technology research and development hub in Hong Kong — the Cyberport located on the waterfront of Pok Fu Lam in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island.