Editorial | Innovative approach to San Tin Technopole development holds much promise
The release of a new conceptual outline for the megaproject sets the stage for a bold approach to speed up the work
The creation of an estimated 300,000 full-time jobs and annual contributions worth HK$250 billion (US$32.1 billion) to the economy when it is fully operational makes the project a high-stakes affair. It is also pivotal to the city’s success as an international I&T hub under the next five-year economic and social development strategy.
Unlike the conventional approach in steering major infrastructure projects, the government is considering setting up a company and subsidiary firms to drive the new development along a public-private partnership path, with clear key performance indicators to direct and accelerate implementation. Under the plan, three development hubs covering life and health technology, artificial intelligence and robotics, and microelectronics and advanced industry are to be completed in phases in the next 10 years.
The vision of establishing a tech hub was first tabled in 2021 by the previous administration, along with the mega Northern Metropolis proposal. Officials now aim to have the first batch of 20 hectares of I&T sites ready for development by next year. But in the fast-changing tech world, the 10-year completion time frame might seem frustratingly slow.
Admittedly, the city’s statutory mechanism and procedures for megaprojects mean development is not as efficient as it should be. That is why the authorities must think outside the box to break down barriers and obstacles that throttle the I&T engine of growth. The same spirit applies to the development of the Northern Metropolis, for which a special ordinance is being introduced to speed up planning and implementation.
The rise of Shenzhen as a regional tech hub is a feat that took decades to materialise. While it would be unrealistic to expect an up-and-running technopole to appear on the Hong Kong side overnight, the city is well positioned to catch up with strategic and innovative approaches. With 27 proposals already received in the expression of interest for 10 land parcels in the park from developers, users and platform companies, the way forward is promising.