Technological co-operation between Guangdong and Hong Kong is becoming the prevailing trend, the new commissioner for innovation and technology said yesterday.
Eddy Chan Yuk-tak, who took up the position in November, said eight projects totalling HK$60 million had been approved last year in a new joint funding scheme supported by both governments.
The scheme requires local publicly funded research institutes to collaborate with mainland firms.
'It will be an important component for the commission in the next few years to establish closer ties with the mainland over innovation technology research,' Mr Chan said.
The projects included research on light-emitting diodes, radio-frequency identification and motors that consume alternative energy.
The commission has also received 17 applications from local universities to set up mainland-approved laboratories in Hong Kong, the results of which are to be announced in October.