Results of Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme 2019-20 announced

     The Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office (PICO) announced today (March 20) the results of the 2019-20 Strategic Public Policy Research (SPPR) Funding Scheme.

     On the advice of the Assessment Panel, PICO has supported three projects with total funding of about $12.8 million in the 2019-20 SPPR Funding Scheme. A total of 26 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 2019-20 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) Developing Green Finance in Hong Kong; (6) City Branding Strategy for Hong Kong; (7) Consolidating Hong Kong's Position as an International Logistics Hub; (8) Transitional Housing; (9) Children and Youth Development; (10) Ageing Population; (11) Healthcare System Innovation; and (12) 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 assessment panel, chaired by and comprising experienced academics, who will take into account comments of reviewers who are academics and experts outside the panel in considering the applications. 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).