With innovation and technology being recognized as one of the six industries in which Hong Kong enjoys clear advantages, the city's government has introduced a number of measures on both the hardware and software fronts to support its growth, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So, said Saturday.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the InnoCarnival 2011 at the Hong Kong Science Park in Sha Tin, So said that driving economic growth with innovation and technology development is a dominant global trend and the Hong Kong government is committed to facilitating the development of innovation and technology.

He added that, on the hardware front, the government will continue to co-operate closely with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation in implementing the development plan of Science Park Phase 3, as well as revitalize industrial estates to cope with social development needs.

The development of Science Park Phase 3 commenced in September this year, and is expected to complete in stages from the end of 2013 to 2016. Upon completion, the Science Park's gross floor area would be increased by 105,000 square meters, and some 4,000 jobs related to research and development (R&D) would be created.

On support on the software front, So pointed out that the government started to improve the operation of the Innovation and Technology Fund earlier this year to enhance support for R&D projects with realization or commercialization potential.

"To grasp every opportunity brought by the National 12th Five-year Plan, we shall also continue to facilitate technology co-operation with the Mainland on all levels," he said.

So said that the government is committed to strengthening public awareness of innovation and technology and facilitating its development. Key projects in this area include the implementation of the Innovation and Technology Scholarship Award Scheme and the organization of the InnoCarnival.

This year's InnoCarnival carries three main themes, all closely linked to daily lives: Health Sciences, Green and Quality Living, and Information and Communication Technology.

In addition to activities targeting the younger generation, the carnival also features inventions that are related to the living and health of the elderly. Elderly people can see for themselves how innovation and technology brings about greater convenience and raises their quality of life. To promote science education, there is also an exhibition on local R&D achievements.

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