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Knowledge transfer is frequently described as the "third mission" (apart from teaching and research) by the higher education sectors of many advanced economies. More specifically, the UGC sees it as an important issue having implications on the international competitiveness of the local higher education sector and capable of enriching research policies. Recognising this, the notion of knowledge transfer has been incorporated into the UGC's Mission Statement, as well as the institutions' role statements. We also brought together an information-sharing symposium (Symposium on "Knowledge Transfer in a Knowledge-based Economy") among institutions in November 2007 for showcasing various local and international success stories in knowledge transfer.
To the UGC, knowledge transfer is wider than the idea of technology transfer, and should also encompass a tacit aspect. We have therefore used the following as the definition of "knowledge transfer" -
"The systems and processes by which knowledge, including technology, know-how, expertise and skills are transferred between higher education institutions and society, leading to innovative, profitable or economic or social improvements."
It should be stressed that knowledge transfer is a two-way process. Not only would the community enjoy realisable benefit from the knowledge transferred from institutions, but academics and researchers would also be enriched by having closer ties with the larger community.
The Legislative Council has approved new recurrent
funding of $50 million each year from 2009/10
onwards for institutions to build up their
capacity and broaden their endeavour in
knowledge transfer.
We invited institutions to submit their triennial proposals on the use of the new funding allocation. The submission template and guidance notes can be found here:
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Institutions have submitted Initial Statements for the 2009/10-2011/12 triennium to describe their institution-wide medium/long-term strategy for Knowledge Transfer activities, as well as to draw up triennial plans on how the funds would be applied, and what outcomes would be expected from such uses. Given that the institutions have distinctive roles and missions, and areas of strength, and that they are at different stages of development in Knowledge Transfer, the strategies of institutions vary in terms of their aims and approaches. However, by and large, the funding will be used to build up institutional capacity and to broaden institutions’ endeavours in Knowledge Transfer, specifically on three aspects -
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Capacity Building (e.g. dedicated Knowledge Transfer staff, databases, staff training, internal reach-out, process management) |
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Front-line Knowledge Transfer Activities (e.g. patent filing, publicity, seed or matching funds for bidding by faculties, incubating spin-off companies) |
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Knowledge Generation (e.g. proof-of-concept or other pump-priming funds) |
All institutions are also setting aside some of their own funds to match the present Knowledge Transfer funding allocation in support of their strategy and plans.
In October/November this year, institutions submitted
their Annual Reports on the use of the Knowledge Transfer
recurrent funding in 2010/11. In general, the UGC is
pleased that the earmarked funding has been a successful
operation in which all institutions enhanced their internal
culture, enabling environment (e.g. management structure
and staff incentives) and output volume for Knowledge
Transfer. The specific funding provided fresh strategic
impetus and inspired growing enthusiasm within the institution
for pursuing Knowledge Transfer.
Institutions' 2010/11 Annual Report on Knowledge
Transfer Recurrent Funding
CityU [PDF file]
HKBU [PDF file]
LU [PDF file]
CUHK [PDF file]
HKIEd [PDF file]
PolyU [PDF file]
HKUST [PDF file]
HKU [PDF file]
Institutions' 2009/10 Annual Report on Knowledge
Transfer Recurrent Funding
CityU [PDF file]
HKBU [PDF file]
LU [PDF file]
CUHK [PDF file]
HKIEd [PDF file]
PolyU [PDF file]
HKUST [PDF file]
HKU [PDF file]
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