Announcement of results of Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme 2020-21

     The Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office (PICO) announced today (March 8) the results of the 2020-21 Strategic Public Policy Research (SPPR) Funding Scheme.

     On the advice of the Assessment Panel, PICO has supported three projects with total funding of about $9.2 million in the 2020-21 SPPR Funding Scheme. A total of 45 applications had been received.
 
     The SPPR Funding Scheme aims to support longer-term public policy research on strategic themes, build up research capacity and facilitate collaboration among institutions/think tanks on the strategic themes. The strategic themes for 2020-21 include (1) Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area; (2) Belt and Road Initiative; (3) Big Data/Smart City; (4) Innovation and Technology/Artificial Intelligence/Re-Industrialisation; (5) Alternative Procurement Models for Major Infrastructure Projects; (6) Developing Green Finance in Hong Kong; (7) City Branding Strategy for Hong Kong; (8) Consolidating Hong Kong's Position as an International Logistics Hub; (9) Transitional Housing; (10) Children, Youth and Family Development; (11) Ageing Population; (12) Healthcare System Innovation; and (13) Manpower Supply and Development.

     Applications to the SPPR Funding Scheme are invited once a year, normally in the second quarter of a year. Applications are assessed by an independent assessment panel, chaired by and comprising experienced academics. The assessment panel will also take into account comments of outside reviewers who are academics and experts during the assessment process. Each application is considered on its merits and the strategic relevance to public policy development of Hong Kong. A declaration of interests system is in place to ensure that the assessments are fair and impartial.

     Details of the funded projects have been uploaded to PICO's website (www.pico.gov.hk/en/PRFS).