HONG KONG -?The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government (HKSAR) will introduce several measures to enhance innovation and technology, including requesting universities to conduct more translational research projects and encouraging re-industrialization, Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said here on Wednesday.

Innovation and technology are no slogan, and they create new impetus for economic and social development, Leung said in the last annual policy address during his tenure. He said Hong Kong's application of innovation and technology notably trails the Chinese mainland in various aspects.

The HKSAR government will request universities to conduct more impactful and translational research projects that meet Hong Kong's needs, and to refine their knowledge and technology transfer plans within six months and strengthen the role of their knowledge transfer offices in co-coordinating and commercializing research outputs, he said.

To promote re-industrialization, the HKSAR government is preparing to build a Data Technology Hub and an Advanced Manufacturing Center in the Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate, to be completed in three and five years respectively, Leung said.

He said industries enjoying advantages in the process of Hong Kong's re-industrialization include biotechnology, big data, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and smart city.
The Innovation and Technology Bureau, Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office will actively encourage relevant enterprises to establish their presence in Hong Kong, Leung said.

Leung made the remarks when delivering the policy address for the year of 2017, the fifth since he was sworn in on July 1, 2012.