Tan Yifan

cicitan2011@gmail.com

IN the fast-evolving landscape of technological innovation, the relationship between Hong Kong and Shenzhen has undergone a profound transformation. Historically, Shenzhen relied on Hong Kong’s expertise and support to develop its industrial sector, establishing itself as the backyard of the bustling financial hub. However, a paradigm shift is now apparent, with Hong Kong strategically seeking collaboration with the mainland, particularly trying to leverage Shenzhen’s strengths as a powerhouse in technology and innovation.

About 13 years ago, Shenzhen assumed a proactive stance in fostering increased collaboration with Hong Kong by establishing the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone, where entrepreneurship in the tech-related sector is encouraged.

Then, in 2017, Shenzhen and Hong Kong initiated the planning of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone. For Hong Kongers, a realization dawned that they needed to integrate into the Greater Bay Area more rapidly, especially after a significant shift in focus following the pandemic.

Hong Kong repositioned itself as the core for fundamental research in the Greater Bay Area, cultivating an environment that attracts the brightest minds and fosters groundbreaking discoveries. Simultaneously, Shenzhen has become the epicenter for production and investment on the mainland, serving as the launch pad for bringing transformative sci-tech products to the mainland market and then maybe to the world.

One example of this collaborative shift is the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), which has established its Shenzhen innovation and technology center in Futian in 2017. HKPC said it will add a total of seven bases on the mainland during a briefing Thursday to a Shenzhen delegation of officials and entrepreneurs.

This initiative aims to replicate its success in Hong Kong and approach more potential clients. According to Zhang Liying, general manager of mainland business of HKPC, the institution will help mainland small and medium-sized enterprises in key technology R&D.

Additionally, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council launched the Greater Bay Area Service Center in Shenzhen in 2021, further extending support to enterprises in Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area.

Further evidence of this collaborative momentum can be seen in the joint efforts of academic institutions. The Hong Kong Science Park, in partnership with Shenzhen, has established a presence in Futian last year. Renowned universities such as The Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong (HKU) are actively exploring opportunities in the Greater Bay Area, especially in Shenzhen, contributing to the region’s academic and technological advancement.

Ma Yi, a computer science professor of HKU, mentioned his students have founded startups in Qianhai during the meeting with the Shenzhen delegation. He said they were drawn to the mature industrial chain, advanced facilities, lower costs and favorable policies there.

In 2023, Hong Kong spared no effort in promoting its Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), with over 47,000 approved applications. More top scholars have been drawn to initiate research at its universities, providing opportunities for commercialization.

Hong Kong’s strategic pivot towards Shenzhen is a calculated move to harness the synergies between the two cities, making Shenzhen the catalyst for production, investment, and market expansion. This collaborative endeavor ensures that the unique strengths of each city contribute to the advancement of science, technology, and innovation in the Greater Bay Area.

(The author is the Brand Marketing head of Shenzhen Daily.)