Hong Kong chief executive urges innovation push at tech forum
Hong Kong's leader told a tech forum that developing new quality productive forces through innovation is a 'must-answer question', outlining plans to align with national strategies, boost collaboration, and leverage the city's global advantages.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday that developing new quality productive forces through technological innovation is no longer an option but a 'must-answer question', as he addressed the '2026 Technology + New Quality Productive Forces Summit Forum' organised by the Hong Kong China Friendship Association.
Speaking at the event, Lee highlighted the accelerating pace of global technological change, noting that while it took nearly a century from the first telephone in the late 19th century to the first mobile phone in the 1970s, artificial-intelligence applications on smartphones have become widespread in less than 50 years. He said he used an AI software on his phone to quickly find information that would previously have required a lengthy library search.
The chief executive outlined three key directions for Hong Kong's development of new quality productive forces. First, he said the city would align with national strategies, noting that 2026 marks the start of the country's 15th Five-Year Plan, which supports Hong Kong's development as an international innovation and technology centre. The government published its first five-year development plan last month to accelerate strategic emerging industries and build a diversified industrial system with Hong Kong characteristics.
Second, Lee called for breaking down barriers to enable efficient collaboration across government, industry, academia, research and investment, transforming research outcomes into market products. He said Hong Kong would leverage its status as an international financial centre to channel diverse capital into innovation, accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis as a growth engine for higher education and technology, and optimise talent policies to attract global talent.
Third, he emphasised leveraging Hong Kong's advantages under 'one country, two systems', including its top rankings in economic freedom and global competitiveness, five world-class universities, and strong professional services. He said Hong Kong would integrate the mainland's vast market and complete industrial chain with its own research capabilities to strengthen development in artificial intelligence, life and health technology, and new energy.
Lee praised the Hong Kong China Friendship Association for its work in building platforms for exchange, and expressed hope that the forum would deepen cooperation and inject new momentum into Hong Kong's development of new quality productive forces.
