By Dr. Kevin Lau
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) charts the course of progress, innovation and technology stand as the mighty engines propelling our future. Hong Kong, with its robust foundation, has consistently ranked among the top ten in the International Institute for Management Development's global digital competitiveness index, soaring to seventh place in 2024—a radiant testament to its technological prowess. Yet, to amplify this momentum, a strategic partnership with a formidable ally is essential. Zhejiang, an economic titan within China's "One Country, Two Systems" framework, emerges as the ideal collaborator. With trailblazing advancements in quadruped robotics by Unitree Robotics and brain-computer interfaces by BrainCo, Zhejiang's technological achievements complement Hong Kong's strengths, forging a blueprint for shared triumph.
Innovation is the lifeblood of tomorrow's economy, and Hong Kong's startup ecosystem pulses with vitality. In 2025, the number of innovation and technology enterprises in Hong Kong is projected to surge by 30%, building on the 17,651 employees already engaged in startups as of 2024. Meanwhile, Zhejiang's technology sector saw a 20% investment increase in 2025, underscoring its commitment to cutting-edge development. A Zhejiang-Hong Kong partnership could ignite a powerful synergy, transforming both regions into a global powerhouse of innovation.
Hong Kong and Zhejiang are interdependent, each enhancing the other's potential. Hong Kong's role as China's gateway to the world, with its internationalized research environment and capital markets, positions it to support Zhejiang's high-tech enterprises in their global ambitions. Conversely, Zhejiang's robust manufacturing capabilities can bridge Hong Kong's gap in large-scale production, turning research into reality. This is not a one-sided dance but a harmonious partnership, weaving a tapestry of mutual prosperity.
As a medical professional, I see immense potential in collaborative research in AI, biomedicine, and brain-computer interfaces. I propose the establishment of a "Zhejiang-Hong Kong Technology Alliance," inviting industry leaders like Unitree Robotics and BrainCo to spearhead advancements in these fields. Such an alliance would pool expertise, fostering breakthroughs that resonate globally. Hong Kong's capital markets can fuel Zhejiang's innovations, while Zhejiang's production prowess can scale Hong Kong's cutting-edge technologies, creating products that command international demand.
This collaboration is a golden opportunity to transcend borders. Hong Kong's financial infrastructure, with its low-tax regime and seamless cross-border transactions, supports Zhejiang's enterprises in accessing global markets. Zhejiang's manufacturing strength, in turn, empowers Hong Kong to transform ideas into tangible solutions. By aligning within the Greater Bay Area's dynamic framework, both regions can leverage initiatives like the Belt and Road to amplify their global impact.
The path forward is clear: Hong Kong and Zhejiang must unite to forge a technology industry chain that redefines innovation. By harnessing our complementary strengths—Hong Kong's global connectivity and Zhejiang's industrial depth—we can cultivate a vibrant ecosystem that drives economic growth and technological leadership. This is not merely about meeting today's demands but about planting the seeds for a future where innovation knows no bounds.
In conclusion, the Zhejiang-Hong Kong Technology Alliance is a beacon of opportunity, illuminating a path toward a shared destiny. By seizing this moment, we can position both regions as global leaders in AI, biomedicine, and beyond, weaving a future where technology bridges dreams to reality, fostering prosperity for generations to come.
The author is a specialist in radiology, Master of Public Health of the University of Hong Kong, Founding Convenor of the Hong Kong Global Youth Professional Advocacy Action, and an adviser of the Our Hong Kong Foundation.
The author is a specialist in radiology, Master of Public Health of the University of Hong Kong, Founding Convenor of the Hong Kong Global Youth Professional Advocacy Action, and an adviser of the Our Hong Kong Foundation.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.
Read more articles by Kevin Lau:
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