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The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Zhongshan Municipal People’s Government formalised a cooperation agreement to establish the “Hong Kong Polytechnic University Zhongshan Technology Innovation Research Institute”. This strategic partnership represents a significant advancement in the biomedicine sector and strengthens the synergy between academia and industry for technological innovation.
PolyU’s President led a delegation to participate in the “2024 Zhongshan Global Investment Conference”. where the signing ceremony of the research institute’s cooperation agreement was held. The agreement was endorsed by distinguished government and PolyU officials. The signing was witnessed by the Secretary of the Zhongshan Municipal Committee, the Deputy Secretary of the Zhongshan Municipal Committee and Mayor, the Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry at PolyU, and the Assistant Director of Research and Innovation at PolyU.
The collaboration aims to leverage the combined strengths of PolyU’s academic prowess and Zhongshan’s industrial base to drive innovation in the biomedicine field. The institute will focus on the development and commercialisation of pharmaceutical products, fostering advancements that address community healthcare needs. By enhancing the integration of research findings into practical applications, the institute seeks to improve medical conditions and outcomes for the local population.
The institute is an essential milestone for both PolyU and Zhongshan. The establishment of the institute aligns with broader regional goals, including President Xi Jinping’s directive to optimise the Shenzhen-Zhongshan corridor. This infrastructure development aims to enhance connectivity between the eastern and western sides of the Pearl River Estuary, promoting the seamless flow of resources, including human talent, capital, and technology. This integration is pivotal for advancing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s (GBA) innovation and technology landscape.
The research institute will serve as a catalyst for technological breakthroughs in the biomedicine sector. It will prioritise the autonomous development of pharmaceutical products, enhancing the local healthcare infrastructure. The institute’s efforts will be complemented by close collaborations with local hospitals, ensuring that scientific discoveries are swiftly translated into clinical applications. This collaborative model is designed to accelerate the transfer of technology from the lab to the market, ultimately benefiting the broader community.
The opening of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan corridor is expected to significantly enhance logistical and operational efficiencies. This development will facilitate the movement of people, funds, and technology between Zhongshan and Hong Kong, fostering a more integrated GBA. The research institute is poised to become a leading hub for technological innovation within this dynamic economic region, providing robust support for Zhongshan’s industrial transformation and economic growth.
This partnership underscores the mutual commitment of PolyU and the Zhongshan Government to harness the transformative potential of technological innovation. By aligning their strategic objectives, both entities aim to capitalise on emerging opportunities within the GBA. The institute represents a proactive step towards fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, research, and development that will drive sustained economic and technological advancements.
The establishment of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Zhongshan Technology Innovation Research Institute signifies a forward-looking approach to regional development. By focusing on cutting-edge biomedicine research and fostering industry-academia collaboration, the institute aims to position itself at the forefront of technological innovation. This initiative not only addresses immediate healthcare challenges but also sets the stage for long-term economic and social benefits, reinforcing the GBA’s status as a global hub for innovation and technology.