Smart City ICT and IoT infrastructure for Hong Kong

Smart City ICT and IoT infrastructure for Hong Kong

Introduction

Recently, many cities around the world are exploring the many possibilities using technology to improve on economic, social and environmental sectors of the cities(1). The City administration has started to lay out their plans and strategies for a Smart City so as to improve on the quality of life and the economy(1). Hong Kong, being a global city has had many discussions on their smart city development plan. In 1998, the first Digital 21 strategy was published by the Hong Kong government(2). The strategy pointed out the blueprint for improvement in Information and communications technology.

Objectives

The purpose of this report is to offer an consolidated an extensive review the current status of Information and communication technology and internet of things infrastructure in Hong Kong, to review the ICT and IoT infrastructure in selected smart cities and also to discuss on the challenges in implementation of smart city ICT and IoT infrastructure for Hong Kong.

Methodology

The goal, objectives, and methods to be used in the study were set and formulated. Firstly, desktop research on terminologies and literature was done. Desktop research is carried out to determine books and publications relevant to the report. For the background of the study to be obtained several academic publications and other reports were reviewed. Groups discussions were done with the aim of understanding the purpose and approach of the study.

Current Smart City related strategies

The Central Administration of Hong Kong plays a major role in developing and implementing Smart City initiatives. These initiatives are in accordance with the six aspects of a Smart City which are Smart Environment, Smart Economy, Smart government, Smart Mobility and Smart People(1). Hong Kong has achieved high industry standards and also high standards in financial support for all types of enterprises. Smart research and production are now being promoted by HKSTPC which is found in Tai Po(2). In 2016, the government launched the Cyber port  Creative Macro Fund which aimed at providing help to ICT start-ups.

The Chinese government has initiated policies and strategies to fully exploit the potential of the Internet of Things. The Central Administration introduced a 10-year plan in 2015(2). The “Made in China” plan, which was introduced after Germany’s industry 4.0 initiative, aimed at transforming and upgrading the global factory and become the leading manufacturing house in the world(1). It has been implemented in conjunction with the internet plus strategy. The SAR Government of Hong Kong has included the significance of IoT in its agenda(2). The Digital 21strategy of 2014 identifies Internet of Things as an important aspect of technology which the city should pioneer and champion which is important in developing a smart city.

The government has enhanced the lives of citizens by putting up free Wi-Fi across the city which is accessed by citizens. ITFBL finances projects which are geared towards innovation and technology(2). In terms of Smart Mobility, the government has set up a Transport information System which collects, processes and disseminates information related to transport. It provides citizens with information about road traffic.

Challenges

Hong Kong has encountered different challenges in the process of Smart City development. Lack of well-defined policies is one of the challenges faced by Hong Kong. The absence of a clear policy results into confusion on the potential impact on Smart City development(1). For example, the Digital 21 strategy provides a vision of “advancing our achievements and seizing the new opportunity without giving set goals and step by step objectives on how to achieve the vision(2).

Secondly, low input in Research and Development is a challenge. Compared to Singapore Hong Kong has invested very little in research and development in both the private and public industries(2). Industrial development depends fully on research and development. Hong Kong cannot achieve its goal of a Smart City if they do not invest in Research and development. The inactive partnership between the private and public sector which limits the prospect of developing new innovations in Hong Kong(2). Limited intra-government communications which lead to different and diverse smart initiatives. Lack of regulatory adjustments which lead to a change in the technological market.

International case study

Singapore, Tokyo, and Seoul have been listed as successful in their Smart City initiatives. The three cities have a similar socio-economic structure to Hong Kong and also they have used a similar approach to a Smart City(1). Singapore adopted the top-down Smart City development planning model. Singapore initiatives aimed at developing and maintaining a well-established society through development information and Communication Technology(ICT).Due to this the Smart Nation Program Office and the Info communications Development were established(2). Free city-wide Wi-Fi network and  ICT services, in Singapore the government has laid a  firm foundation for technological infrastructure.

Conclusion

The aim of this report was achieved as the current status and challenges of ICT and IoT industry have been fully reviewed. Information and Communication Technology is the key to a Smart City. Supporting the ICT department will drive innovation and growth and make business competitive regardless of the field. ICT industry provides a base to all other industries the administration of Hong Kong should improve infrastructure so as to raise the growth of industries. With a strong foundation, other industries can fully utilize the ICT industry to upgrade their own industry.

References

1. GUPTA T. SMART CITIES. [S.l.]: PENTAGON PRESS; 2016.
2. Riva Sanseverino E, Riva Sanseverino R, Anello E. A Cross-Reading Approach to Smart City: A European Perspective of Chinese Smart Cities. Smart Cities. 2018;1(1):26-52.