GBAAA Innovation and Technology Policy Research Collaboration Scheme 1st Round

2022-11-07

  

The Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians

Innovation and Technology Policy Research Collaboration Scheme 

1^st Round

 

BACKGROUND

In view of the world’s ever-changing economic environment and the emergence of a range of global challenges, the Hong Kong SAR government seeks to develop the city into an innovation and technology powerhouse to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness and secure the healthy development of Hong Kong's economy in the long term. 

Against this backdrop, the Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians (GBAAA) is pleased to launch the Innovation and Technology Policy Research Collaboration Scheme (“the Scheme”), which aims to support the government’s policymaking process via evidence-based research and facilitate policy discussion with a focus on innovation and technology. The Scheme will fund research projects hosted or recognized by local universities, think tanks, and recognized professional associations. 

 

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

The GBAAA invites eligible institutions to submit proposals for undertaking policy research projects on strategic themes. The proposal should not exceed 5 pages in length (excluding attachments). The applicant is invited to fill in the Application Form.

 

RESEARCH THEME (1^ST ROUND)

The strategic theme for the first round of the Scheme is Northern Metropolis.

Background

In an effort to advance Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology hub, the Hong Kong SAR government has proposed The Northern Metropolis Development Strategy, a blueprint to develop the northern part of the city into a metropolitan area, with a vibrant innovation and technology industry as the economic engine.

The development of the Northern Metropolis is expected to provide unprecedented opportunities for the city’s I&T industry and economic growth. Such development requires a comprehensive plan to make full use of the various resources provided. 

Area(s) of importance/interest in which the GBAAA would like research to be conducted

It would be of interest to the GBAAA, as well as various sectors of the Hong Kong community if research could be conducted in the following areas :

1. Building a University Town in the Northern Metropolis 

Research should focus on the strategic directions, development plans, and impact of building a university town in the Northern Metropolis under the framework of the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy. 

2. Building a World-Class Innovation District in the Northern Metropolis

Research should focus on identifying opportunities and barriers to building a world-class innovation district in the Northern Metropolis, and how public research universities in Hong Kong can play an active role. 

Proposals with themes falling outside the strategic themes will not be considered generally, unless with exceptional merits.

 

ELIGIBILITY 

The following institutions are eligible to apply for funds under the Scheme：

1. Eight degree-awarding institutions funded by the University Grants Committee.

2. Publicly funded and self-financing local degree-awarding institutions 

3. Local non-profit making public policy research think tanks which must be registered in Hong Kong with proven and recognized track records of public policy research

 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The proposals that fall within the chosen themes will be assessed on academic excellence. The assessment criteria are as follows:

1. research qualification as world-leading by international standards;

2. impact to Hong Kong;

3. credentials of the project team;

4. existence of a clear strategy and rigor in research design; 

5. sound structure for an excellent research project; 

6. comprehensiveness in data collection and analysis; and

7. expected deliverables (e.g. policy implications and recommendations, workshop, conference, journal, etc.)

 

FINANCIAL SUPPORT 

Each successful application will be awarded a 1:1 matching grant with a maximum of HK$300,000. 

 

PROJECT PERIOD

Projects supported by the scheme are expected to have a project duration of not longer than 8 months. The project start date should not be later than 1 January 2023.

APPLICATION AND DEADLINE

The proposals should be submitted to the GBAAA Secretariat via email to admin@gbaaa.org.hk by 5 pm on 18 November 2022. Project teams of further shortlisted proposals might be invited for a selection interview scheduled for late November or early December 2022. 

 

CONTACT

Please contact Miriam Zhang by email miriam.zhang@hkisi-cas.org.hk.