Hong Kong to set up first national innovation centre outside mainland China
South China Morning Post
by Vivian AuFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, Paul Chan Mo-po, has announced plans to establish the first national manufacturing innovation centre outside mainland China, alongside a high-level steering committee to drive artificial intelligence (AI) development. These moves aim to align Hong Kong more closely with China’s 15th five-year plan (2026-2030), which seeks to integrate the city into the country’s broader economic and technological strategies. The initiative underscores Hong Kong’s role as a potential international hub for innovation and technology, building on its existing strengths in finance and global connectivity.
The financial secretary revealed plans during Wednesday’s budget, including funding allocations for organizations to develop AI-related courses, fostering greater public understanding and adoption of the technology. Chan emphasized the importance of embracing innovation to create new productive forces tailored to Hong Kong’s unique context. This aligns with Beijing’s vision for Hong Kong to leverage its traditional advantages while contributing to national development goals.
Additionally, the Hong Kong Investment Corporation is advancing plans to establish a RISC-V Alliance with local enterprises. RISC-V, an open-source chip architecture, is increasingly significant in the tech industry, particularly for developing central processing units (CPUs) used in electronic devices like smartphones and computers. The alliance will focus on fostering collaboration across industries within the Greater Bay Area and internationally, aiming to attract investment and drive innovation in open-source chip technology.
These initiatives highlight Hong Kong’s strategic position as a bridge between China’s technological ambitions and global markets. By prioritizing AI development and open-source technologies, the city is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of manufacturing and innovation on the global stage. This shift not only bolsters Hong Kong’s economic growth but also strengthens its role in driving China’s broader vision for technological advancement and international competitiveness.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/25/2026