A delegation from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), led by President Prof. Nancy IP, has successfully completed a strategic visit to Sweden. This initiative aims to deepen partnerships with Sweden’s leading academic and research institutions, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a critical hub for scientific and technological collaboration between Sweden and China.
The visit focused on advancing innovation across various fields, including life sciences, HealthTech, ageing, energy, robotics, and sustainability. This collaboration builds on the longstanding ties between Sweden and China, characterized by decades of diplomatic, industrial, and scientific cooperation. Sweden is recognized globally as a leader in innovation, consistently ranking among the most competitive knowledge economies. Its unique ecosystem integrates academic research, industry innovation, and government investment, aligning well with HKUST’s commitment to driving cutting-edge research.
By capitalizing on Hong Kong’s strategic location, HKUST aims to connect Sweden’s innovation strengths with China’s extensive research capabilities and market potential. This synergy promotes impactful Sino-Swedish collaboration. The university’s history of fostering unicorn startups and translating research into real-world applications further enhances this partnership.
Strengthening Collaborative Initiatives
During the visit, the HKUST delegation engaged in strategic discussions with several prominent Swedish institutions, including the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA), Karolinska Institutet, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology. These conversations laid the groundwork for a robust framework focused on advancing joint research, talent development, and innovation.
The delegation outlined key objectives, including:
– Strengthening joint research initiatives in life sciences, HealthTech, ageing, energy, robotics, and sustainability.
– Expanding scholar exchange programs and collaborative educational opportunities.
– Facilitating innovation commercialization and technology transfer between Europe and Asia.
Prof. Nancy Ip emphasized the significance of 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.”
She added, “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.”
Paving the Way for Future Innovations
The enhanced collaboration between HKUST and Swedish institutions paves the way for transformative research and talent development. By strategically leveraging the Greater Bay Area, which includes the world-renowned Guangzhou-Hong Kong-Shenzhen innovation cluster, this partnership aims to address pressing global issues.
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Global Innovation Index 2025, this region is recognized for its exceptional innovation capabilities, positioning it as a significant player in the global landscape. As HKUST continues to strengthen ties with Sweden, the focus on practical applications of research and innovation holds promise for addressing future challenges in various sectors.
