A delegation from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), led by President Prof. Nancy Ip, recently concluded a significant visit to Sweden aimed at enhancing academic and research partnerships. This trip emphasized Hong Kong’s strategic position as a facilitator for scientific and technological collaboration between Sweden and China, particularly in sectors such as life sciences, HealthTech, ageing, energy, robotics, and sustainability.
The visit builds upon a longstanding relationship characterized by decades of diplomatic and scientific cooperation between Sweden and China. Sweden is recognized as a leader in innovation, consistently ranking among the globe’s most competitive knowledge economies. Its advanced ecosystem, which combines world-class research with industry applications and governmental support, aligns with HKUST’s mission to advance cutting-edge research and integrate into global innovation networks.
HKUST acts as a bridge, linking Sweden’s innovation capabilities with China’s extensive research resources and market potential. This collaboration promises to foster impactful Sino-Swedish partnerships. Over the years, HKUST has established a solid track record of translating research into practical applications, particularly in the highlighted fields.
During the visit, the HKUST delegation engaged in strategic dialogues with prominent Swedish institutions, including the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA), Karolinska Institutet, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology. These discussions were pivotal in laying the groundwork for future collaborative efforts in research, talent development, and innovation.
Key Objectives of the Partnership
The primary goals of this strengthened partnership include:
– Enhancing joint research initiatives across various sectors, including life sciences, HealthTech, ageing, energy, robotics, and sustainability.
– Expanding scholar exchange programs and collaborative educational opportunities.
– Supporting the commercialization of innovations and facilitating technology transfer between Europe and Asia.
President Prof. Nancy Ip emphasized HKUST’s 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. 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.”
Prof. Ip elaborated on the potential of this partnership, saying, “By combining Sweden’s research and industrial leadership with HKUST’s dynamic research environment and China’s technological scale, we are accelerating breakthroughs that address global challenges. This partnership underscores Hong Kong’s role as a leading international innovation hub.”
Impact on Global Research and Innovation
The enhanced collaboration is expected to pave the way for transformative research and talent development by strategically leveraging the Greater Bay Area, which is home to the highly ranked Guangzhou-Hong Kong-Shenzhen innovation cluster. This cluster is recognized in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Global Innovation Index 2025 as one of the most significant innovation hubs.
The strategic visit not only reinforces existing partnerships but also highlights the commitment of both HKUST and Swedish institutions to drive innovation in areas of global significance, ensuring that the benefits of their collaboration will resonate well beyond their borders.
