A delegation from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), led by President Prof. Nancy Ip, has recently concluded a strategic visit to Sweden. This trip aimed to deepen partnerships with Sweden’s leading academic and research institutions, emphasizing Hong Kong’s role as a vital link for scientific collaboration between Sweden and China. The focus was on advancing innovation in key sectors, including life sciences, HealthTech, ageing, energy, robotics, and sustainability.
The visit underscores the longstanding relationship between Sweden and China, characterized by decades of diplomatic and scientific cooperation. Sweden is recognized globally as a leader in innovation, consistently ranking among the most competitive knowledge economies. Its ecosystem, which integrates academic research, industry innovation, and government investment, aligns well with HKUST’s mission to foster cutting-edge research and connect global innovation networks.
HKUST positions itself as a dynamic conduit, linking Sweden’s innovation strengths with China’s extensive research capabilities and market potential. This partnership is expected to enhance Sino-Swedish collaboration, creating impactful synergies in research and development.
Building on Established Partnerships
During the visit, the HKUST delegation engaged in strategic dialogues with several premier Swedish institutions, including the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA), Karolinska Institutet, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology. These discussions established a framework aimed at advancing collaborative research, talent development, and innovation.
Key objectives outlined in these discussions include:
– Strengthening joint research initiatives in life sciences, HealthTech, ageing, energy, robotics, sustainability, and other areas of mutual interest.
– Expanding scholar exchange programs and collaborative educational opportunities.
– Facilitating innovation commercialization and technology transfer between Europe and Asia.
President Prof. Nancy Ip emphasized HKUST’s pivotal role in these partnerships, stating, “Sweden’s innovation ecosystem is a global benchmark, and its historic ties with China provide a strong foundation for collaboration.” She further noted that HKUST is uniquely positioned to serve as the academic engine and connector in this relationship, fostering a strategic innovation corridor between Sweden and the Greater Bay Area.
Accelerating Global Solutions
The collaboration aims to combine Sweden’s research and industrial leadership with HKUST’s dynamic research environment and China’s technological scale. This partnership is expected to accelerate breakthroughs that address global challenges, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a leading international innovation hub.
The Greater Bay Area, which includes cities such as Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen, is recognized as one of the world’s top-ranked innovation clusters, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Global Innovation Index 2025. By strategically leveraging this region, HKUST and its Swedish partners aim to pave the way for transformative research, talent development, and innovation.
As the collaboration unfolds, both Sweden and HKUST stand to gain from shared expertise and resources, ultimately contributing to advancements that can have a significant impact on global challenges and innovation landscapes.
