Hong Kong is now at a junction where academic excellence and innovation are poised to shape its future. In today’s knowledge-driven economy, higher education and research play an increasingly vital role in a region’s global standing. Hong Kong’s potential to become a leading academic hub is also closely tied to the remarkable advancements made by universities on the Chinese mainland. The city can reinforce its position as a global innovation and higher education leader by strategically aligning with these institutions.
Mainland universities have experienced rapid growth, with institutions like Tsinghua University and Peking University now ranked among the world’s best. According to the latest Times Higher Education rankings, 13 mainland universities are in the top 200 globally, with Tsinghua University and Peking University among the top 20. This progress stems from substantial government investments, focused research initiatives, and a commitment to fostering innovation. China’s planned 10 percent increase in spending on science and technology, amounting to 370 billion yuan ($52.28 billion), further underscores its ambition to become a global leader in these fields. For the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, this development represents a strategic opportunity for collaboration.
The city’s universities, including the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, have maintained solid global reputations. HKU consistently ranks in the world’s top 50, and CUHK recently reentered that category. However, to maintain competitiveness, Hong Kong must look beyond its achievements and seek to collaborate more deeply with leading mainland institutions. Such partnerships would enhance Hong Kong’s academic profile and create mutually beneficial opportunities for both parties.
READ MORE: Upcoming Policy Address tipped to make ‘studying in HK’ a brand
Including the SAR’s academia in China’s academic landscape strengthens the country’s claim as a global educational leader. With HKU ranked 35th globally and CUHK performing well, the SAR contributes significantly to China’s academic portfolio. Together, these institutions can rival established educational powerhouses such as the United States and the United Kingdom, reinforcing China’s position as a worldwide leader in higher education.
Modern academia thrives on collaboration. The US, for example, has long benefited from international partnerships that enhance research and development. Similarly, Hong Kong’s unique position within China offers opportunities to access the mainland’s resources and expertise while preserving its academic traditions. Collaboration between Hong Kong and mainland institutions such as Tsinghua University and Peking University will expand research capabilities, increase funding opportunities, and attract global talent. The potential benefits of collaboration are vast and promising. Joint research programs in areas of shared interest, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability, would leverage the strengths of both regions. Establishing cross-border innovation hubs within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area would foster interdisciplinary research and technological breakthroughs. Moreover, student exchange programs and joint degree initiatives would cultivate a new generation of scholars equipped to navigate Hong Kong’s international orientation and the mainland’s research expertise. By aligning funding and research priorities, Hong Kong and the mainland can build a seamless academic partnership that enhances global influence and fosters a sense of optimism about the future of higher education in the region.
The proactive involvement of the SAR government is a critical factor in facilitating collaboration. As a strategic move, the government must prioritize policies that incentivize joint research, facilitate academic exchanges, and secure funding for cross-border projects. By fostering closer ties with mainland educational institutions, the SAR government can position Hong Kong as a crucial player in the region’s intellectual and technological ecosystem, attracting global talent and investment and thus strengthening the city’s role as a knowledge and innovation center. With the right government support, such collaborations will ensure the city’s continued improvement and competitiveness in the global landscape.
Hong Kong stands to gain significantly from deeper integration with the mainland, particularly in scientific research and technology transfer. Mainland universities have excelled in translating research into practical applications, as evidenced by the surge in their patents and technological innovations. The Times Higher Education’s latest report highlights that their success in technology transfer primarily drives the rise of mainland universities. By collaborating with mainland institutio ns, Hong Kong can enhance its capacity for innovation, thereby solidifying its role as a global hub for technological development.
Such collaboration also aligns with the Greater Bay Area initiative, which aims to create a world-class economic and innovation cluster. This initiative, which includes Hong Kong, Macao, and the nine mainland GBA cities, provides significant opportunities for joint ventures in key sectors such as AI, biotechnology and environmental sustainability. By positioning itself as a critical player in this initiative, Hong Kong can attract substantial investment and resources, cementing its role as a leader in global research and innovation.
ALSO READ: Central govt’s solicitude for HK is self-evident
Data on research quality underscore the case for closer collaboration. China ranks fourth globally in research quality among countries with more than 50 ranked universities, behind only the US, the UK and Germany. This achievement reflects China’s significant investment in research and its ability to attract top international scholars. Hong Kong can tap into this research dynamism by collaborating with the mainland, leading to groundbreaking discoveries in renewable energy, healthcare and information technology — critical areas for future global leadership. This potential for groundbreaking discoveries should inspire and excite the audience about the future of research in Hong Kong.
HK’s future as a global leader in education and innovation lies in embracing the mainland’s academic advancements. The rise of mainland universities presents an opportunity for Hong Kong to enhance its academic reputation, drive innovation and contribute to the global knowledge economy. With the SAR government actively facilitating these collaborations, Hong Kong can secure its place at the forefront of international academic excellence. This strategic alignment will ensure HK’s prosperity in an increasingly competitive world, positioning it as a vital bridge between East and West.
The author is a solicitor, a Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area lawyer, and a China-appointed attesting officer.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
