The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is pushing forward its public policy research and education as the Institute for Public Policy (IPP) published today the first report on the integrative development of innovation and technology (I&T) in the Greater Bay Area, and the University is set to launch the city’s first two-year full-time taught postgraduate public policy program specialized in science, technology and environmental policy.
The latest research project – jointly conducted by Chinese Academy of Engineering, Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences and IPP – has highlighted the risks faced by Hong Kong if we do not speed up in I&T, and made a number of suggestions on what the government should do. The report argued, for example, that the government’s laissez-faire policy is out-of-date, so it must take the lead with regard to R&D investment, training and policy development to foster I&T for small companies. The report also identified strategic areas that Hong Kong and the Greater Bay cities should strengthen collaborations in.
On the education side, starting September 2018, HKUST is launching a new two-year full-time Master program in Public Policy (MPP), which offers not just solid knowledge on policy analysis using data analytics, but also leadership and management skills through internships and real-life practices in government agencies, non-profit organizations and private sector entities. The program also includes a client-based capstone project, where students will work in teams to find solutions for real-life challenges facing public and private organizations. MPP is the first two-year full-time postgraduate program in Hong Kong that allows students to focus on policy-making and analysis in science, innovation, technology and environmental sectors – all fast-rising fields in urgent need of a large amount of talents, amid opportunities posted by initiatives such as the establishment of the Lok Ma Chau Hi-Tech Park and the Greater Bay Area.
The degree requires the completion of 48 credit hours which are evenly divided between a core curriculum in public policy, and elective courses which allow students to broaden their perspectives by taking a diverse range of courses from the University’s five schools. An information session about the program will be held in HKUST Business Central on 21 May.
“While advancements of science and technology have been rapidly expanding the range of solutions for tackling global challenges such as climate change and ageing,” said Prof Xun Wu, Acting Head of the Division of Public Policy (PPOL) at HKUST where the program is offered. “Such innovative solutions have also given rise to a complex set of ethical, institutional and legal issues for governments, non-profit and private entities. Public policy will thus play an increasingly important role in unlocking the full potential of science and technology in improving our everyday lives and achieving sustainable development of our society.”
IPP has drawn on the expertise and connection from world-class faculty across HKUST – consisting leading scholars and advisers of national and international corporations and government bodies. They include former Secretary for Transport and Housing Prof Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, now a Visiting Professor of the Institute of Public Policy (IPP) of HKUST, who will help organize high-level forums and platforms to facilitate policy exchanges and research at HKUST. For example, a seminar on the Greater Bay Area development from a “One Country, Two Systems” perspective was held last Friday by IPP to shed light on how this unique governance model could go forward as part of the “Greater Bay Area Initiative”.
For program details and admission requirements, please visit: http://ppol.ust.hk/page.php?m_id=m_3&s_id=s_12&t_id=t_14
Click here to download the full report.
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (www.ust.hk) is a world-class research university that focuses on science, technology and business as well as humanities and social science. HKUST offers an international campus, and a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy to nurture well-rounded graduates with global vision, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. HKUST attained the highest proportion of internationally excellent research work in the Research Assessment Exercise 2014 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee, and is the world’s second in the latest QS’ Top 50 under 50 ranking. Its graduates were ranked 12th worldwide and top in Greater China in Global Employability University Survey 2017.
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