Merger of Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute and Nano and Advanced Materials Institute
The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) today (November5) briefed the respective Boards of the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI) on the proposal to merge the two research and development (R&D) centres.
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, remarked that, "To implement the development plans set out in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint, and 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 Hong Kong. Having reviewed the positioning and focus areas of our R&D institutions, as well as the technology domains that Hong Kong will focus on, we propose merging ASTRI and NAMI."
He continued that, "ASTRI and NAMI respectively drive and co-ordinate applied R&D in the areas of information and communications technologies, and nanotechnology and new materials. Merging the two centres through organic integration will enhance their complementary advantages on applied R&D and create synergies, thereby boosting the capability for conducting high value-added applied R&D work, strengthening the support for industry development, and fostering new industrialisation."
An ITC spokesman said, "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."
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.
The Chairpersons of the Boards of ASTRI and NAMI have also briefed their centres' staff respectively on the merger, as well as the relevant follow ups and arrangements today.
ASTRI was established in 2000 and designated as the R&D centre for information and communications technologies in 2006. NAMI was established and designated as the R&D centre for nanotechnology and new materials in 2006.
