The Policy Research Centre For Innovation and Technology (PReCIT), a university-level cross-disciplinary research center newly established by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), hosted a hybrid forum entitled “Planning, Land and Housing for Innovation and Technology Development in Hong Kong” on 26 August 2022. The forum attracted over 300 participants from different universities, research institutes, and public organizations to contribute to strategies and discussions about propelling Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub related to the Northern Metropolis. Ir. Professor Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and the Chair Professor of Thermal and Environmental Engineering of PolyU gave the opening remarks at the forum.

The forum speaker Dr. Winnie Tang, founder and honorary president of the Smart City Consortium (SCC), emphasized that a Common Geospatial Information System Platform (CGISP) could enhance the efficiency of the Northern Metropolis development.

When planning new development areas like the Northern Metropolis, several databases are of different formats and are recorded in differing software and systems. Such complex and fragmented data hinders collaboration and public engagement at different stages of the planning process. Therefore, a CGISP should be used to facilitate planning, construction, monitoring and maintenance. This platform would also allow both internal and external stakeholders to view, search, compare, analyze, and share project information so that all parties can follow developments. As a result, efficiency will be greatly enhanced. Moreover, Dr. Tang also introduced the smart urban planning tool – ArcGIS CityEngine. This offers the ability to parametrically develop and test different massing and program urban planning scenarios, using schematic building types and existing, or proposed, zoning codes.

In the discussion session, Dr. Tang exchanged ideas with Professor Kar Kan Ling, Director of the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation, PolyU, Mr. Simon Wong, Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities), PolyU, and Ir. Professor Hau Chung Man, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, PolyU. The speakers shared their insights about the positioning of the Northern Metropolis as “HK’s Technology Corridor” to accelerate Hong Kong’s development.

Dr. Winnie Tang, founder and honorary president of the Smart City Consortium emphasized that a Common GIS Platform could speed up the development of the Northern Metropolis. 

The Policy Research Centre For Innovation and Technology (PReCIT), from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, hosted a hybrid forum entitled “Planning, Land and Housing for Innovation and Technology Development in Hong Kong”. Dr. Tang (third right) shared her insight with other speakers and 300 participants. 

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