The Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Victor Lam, announced today (June 30) the launch of the Catch the Innovation Campaign by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) to inspire more innovative applications in public services with a view to driving smart government development. An innovation competition themed "Leading Towards Robotics Technologies", the highlight of the Campaign, will accept innovative proposals submitted by government staff starting from today. Winning proposals will have the chance to be implemented in relevant departments to facilitate the delivery of innovative and convenient public services.
The "Leading Towards Robotics Technologies" Innovation Competition will be held in two stages. In the first stage, starting today, government staff are invited to submit proposals which can effectively adopt robotics technologies in enhancing public services on an individual or team basis by August 31. A series of seminars and workshops will also be held for government staff by the Smart Government Innovation Lab (Smart LAB) of the OGCIO in July and August to strengthen the robotics technology know-how of interested participants and stimulate their creativity.
　
Ten finalists will be shortlisted by the Judging Panel from the proposals received for the second stage of the Competition. These 10 shortlisted proposals will be matched by Smart LAB with the industry (including local start-ups) for a six-month proof-of-concept exercise to test their feasibility by allowing the participants to apply the appropriate technologies and local R&D results. All 10 shortlisted proposals will put on trials in relevant government departments with an aim of enhancing the quality and efficiency of public services, thus allowing the public to enjoy the advantages brought about by innovation and technology (I&T) in the delivery of quality public services. Details and terms of the Competition are available on the website of Smart LAB (www.smartlab.gov.hk).
Mr Lam called on colleagues from different government departments to take part in the Competition at today's online "Robotics Technology for Public Services" Technology Forum organised by Smart LAB. He said, "The Catch the Innovation Campaign aims at nurturing a more vibrant I&T culture within the Government and forging closer collaboration with the industry, thereby providing the public with innovative and convenient user experiences. As one of the key trends in smart city development, robotics technology will definitely open up enormous opportunities for us."
The Catch the Innovation Campaign is organised by the OGCIO with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department as the strategic advisor and the Hong Kong Productivity Council as the implementer. The campaign consists of a series of events including seminars on emerging technologies, workshops, information technology case sharing and online exchanges. The result of the "Leading Towards Robotics Technologies" Innovation Competition will be announced in mid-2021.
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