Public R&D centres merger proposed

To implement the development plans set out in the Hong Kong Innovation & Technology Development Blueprint, the Government has proposed to merge the two research and development (R&D) centres - the Hong Kong Applied Science & Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and the Nano & Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI).

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong remarked that to accelerate the development of new quality productive forces, the Government needs to deepen the reform of the arrangement of public R&D institutions in the city.

ASTRI drives and co-ordinates applied R&D in the areas of information and communications technologies, while NAMI is responsible for the areas of nanotechnology and new materials.

Prof Sun noted that merging the two centres will enhance their complementary advantages on applied R&D and create synergy, thereby boosting the capability for conducting high value-added applied R&D work, strengthening the support for industry development, and fostering new industrialisation.

The Innovation & Technology Commission (ITC) today briefed the respective Boards of ASTRI and NAMI on the merger proposal.

The commission stated that after merging the two centres, overall savings in operating costs are expected to be achieved through rationalisation and consolidation in the medium to long run.

Regarding the staff establishment, appropriate arrangements would be manifested through redeployment and natural wastage, it added.

The ITC will commission an independent consultant to make suggestions on the transitional arrangements and implementation plan on the merger.

The Government expects to commence the transition process in 2025-26.