The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) announced the relaunch of the Catch the Innovation Campaign. This campaign aims to foster innovation within government departments and enhance the quality and efficiency of public services.
As part of the campaign, government personnel can now submit their innovative proposals for the Innovative Application with AI competition, which is the main highlight of the campaign. Successful proposals may be implemented in relevant departments to enhance public services.
The initial phase of the Innovative Application with AI competition commenced on 5 June 2023 and government personnel are urged to submit their conceptual proposals for using AI to improve public services. Teams consisting of at least two individuals can submit their proposals until 4 August 2023. A Selection Panel will review the submissions and shortlist ten finalists for the next stage of the competition.
In the following phase, the Smart Government Innovation Lab (Smart Lab), under the OGCIO, will collaborate with the industry, including local start-ups, to match each of the ten proposals with suitable technology solutions. This collaboration will involve a six-month proof-of-concept exercise to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposals in enhancing the quality and efficiency of public services. In March of the following year, the ten finalists will compete for various awards, including the grand award, first runner-up, and second runner-up.
In addition to the Innovative Application with AI competition, the Catch the Innovation Campaign encompasses a range of activities such as thematic seminars, workshops, and technology forums. These initiatives are designed to foster collaboration between government departments and the industry.
The primary objective of these events is to enhance the knowledge and skills of government personnel in utilising innovative technologies, including AI. By doing so, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) aims to stimulate creativity among government employees and promote the adoption of diverse technologies across various departments. The ultimate goal is to improve public services, providing benefits and convenience to the general public.
Pushing forward the smart city
At a Legislative Council Session in May 2023, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry stated that the rapid digitalisation of Hong Kong is an inevitable trend that aims to propel the economy towards high-quality development and transform the city into a smart city.
The government has implemented a range of policies and measures under a data-driven approach. These initiatives focus on enhancing the consolidation, application, openness, and sharing of data among different bureaux/departments (B/Ds). Additionally, the government is leveraging the data infrastructure to support the advancement of the digital economy and smart city initiatives in Hong Kong.
He noted that the government is actively progressing its efforts in developing data infrastructure, data integration and sharing, and the digital economy. These endeavours align with the policy direction and work objectives of the National Data Bureau.
Currently, the government is committed to advancing the digital economy and smart city initiatives based on the established work directions. Additionally, it remains open to exploring ways to enhance its work in response to evolving circumstances.
Hong Kong serves as a vital link connecting the international community with the Mainland, necessitating the seamless cross-border flow of data. The government places significant emphasis on maintaining data security and protecting personal data privacy as it fosters the development of the digital economy within the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
The HKSAR Government is actively pursuing the development of a digital economy and smart city, with a strong focus on data infrastructure, integration, and sharing. By aligning its efforts with national policies and objectives, Hong Kong aims to leverage its position as an international hub and promote cross-border data flows while ensuring data security and privacy.
With a commitment to adapt to changing circumstances and an open-minded approach, the government is dedicated to enhancing its work and fostering the growth of a vibrant and innovative digital ecosystem that benefits both its citizens and the broader international community.
