Administrative and funding proposal to Legco on the Innovation and Technology Bureau (April 2014)

For discussion
on 14 April 2014
Legislative Council
Panel on Information Technology and Broadcasting
Proposal to Establish the Innovation and Technology Bureau
PURPOSE
This paper seeks Members’ support to establish the
Innovation and Technology Bureau (ITB) and the related arrangements to
implement the proposal.
PROPOSAL
Dedicated Bureau Responsible for Innovation and
Technology-related Matters
2. The Government is proposing to establish the ITB which
will be led by the future Secretary for Innovation and Technology (S for
IT). The new bureau will be responsible for formulating policies and
promoting the development of innovation and technology as well as
information technology (the portfolio is hereafter referred to as
innovation and technology) in Hong Kong, and coordinating relevant
efforts within the Government.
3. The new bureau will take up the policy responsibilities in
innovation and technology from the existing Commerce and Economic
Development Bureau (CEDB). The two government departments that
are responsible for innovation and technology matters, namely the
Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) and the Office of the
Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), will report to the ITB
upon its establishment.
4. Upon the establishment of ITB, CEDB will continue to be
organised into two branches and will be relieved to provide more
LC Paper No. CB(4)532/13-14(04)

dedicated high level leadership in developing Hong Kong's trade and key
service industries. The work and organisational structure of the existing
Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch would remain unchanged.
The existing Communications and Technology Branch (CTB) will be
re-structured and re-named as Communications and Creative Industries
Branch (CCIB). CCIB will focus on policy matters in respect of
telecommunications, broadcasting and creative industries.
5. The existing organisation charts of CEDB and its two
branches are at Annexes A - C. The organisation charts of the proposed
restructured CEDB and CCIB are at Annexes D - E. The organisation
chart of the proposed new ITB is at Annex F.
Significance of Innovation and Technology in Hong Kong
6. Innovation involves the development of new technologies,
processes, products and the know-how that begets them. It is often
associated with the scientific discoverer, technological inventor,
risk-taking investor or funding from Government or quasi-Government
organisation, entrepreneurial producer, and the adventurous consumer.
It is a whole chain of events and pursuits that leverage on scientific
discoveries and technological inventions to produce new goods and
services.
7. Economists in recent years have put the discovery of ideas
leading to innovation and technology as the central driver of economic
growth. New technologies and ideas could create values and therefore
propel growth and affect every sector of the economy, from agriculture,
elderly service and financial services, to logistics, manufacturing and
retail, to name a few. While resources are limited due to the law of the
scarcity of supply, ‘ideas’ are nearly limitless. For example, the
pioneering ideas of Professor Charles K. Kao and other scientists had led
to the realisation of fibre optics as a communication medium, which
ultimately facilitated the success of the internet and now brings unlimited
new business opportunities to the world. Such concept is very different
to the traditional theories which concern allocating resources efficiently
to maximise utility.
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8. The enhancement to efficiency and cost reduction stemming
from innovation and technology have greatly benefited everyone. Hong
Kong possesses the right infrastructure of a sound legal system, open
economy, market friendly regulatory regime, simple tax system, and
respect for intellectual property rights, which provides an environment
conducive to the nurturing of ideas. The Government has an important
role to play and the future ITB can help to cement all the ingredients
together and turn innovation and technology into our advantage. It is
only by doing so that we can maintain an ecology that leads to growth not
only in the scientific but other sectors of the community and ensure the
sustainable growth of Hong Kong’s economy.
The Future ITB
9. The proposed new ITB is expected to fully capture the
opportunities provided by advancements in technology and the
commercial potential they offer through a dedicated high level leadership,
and stronger policy coordination across the innovation and technology
industries. It signifies the Government’s commitment and determination
to stay ahead in the global race.
10. Specifically, the new ITB is to strengthen, both in depth and
breadth, policy support for the development of innovation and technology.
S for IT will provide the devoted strategic leadership of this new bureau
and lead the ITB in the formulation of holistic policies, oversee execution,
and monitor the outcome. The ITC and OGCIO will be the
implementation agents and provide support to ITB in policy research and
formulation. The two departments will continue their existing duties as
well as undertaking tasks as assigned by ITB.
11. Indicative tasks of the ITB include the following possible
areas which are relevant to the two departments at present -
(i) developing policies to strengthen the support for the innovation
and technology sector, including strategies of improving the
ecological environment to facilitate the realisation of research and
development results. The future bureau will build on the
foundation laid down over the years (e.g. the establishment of the
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Research and Development (R&D) Centres, extra effort that led to
the increased application of information technology in the public
sector, etc.);
(ii) strengthening the linkages among stakeholders, including
Government, industry, academic and research sectors, and
creating greater synergy among ITC and OGCIO, the R&D
Centres, Hong Kong Productivity Council, Cyberport and Hong
Kong Science Park and other organisations/ agencies under the
future S for IT, through alignment or collaboration in R&D
directions or programmes, exchange of information and
experience, as well as promotional activities both locally and
overseas. This can be done in a more systematic and organised
manner;
(iii) encouraging private sector participation. We are mindful that
with a relatively small manufacturing base, R&D expenditure in
Hong Kong is relatively low. In terms of the ratio between
public and private investments in R&D, the level of private
investment here falls behind the usual ratio of about 30-70 in most
developed economies. With a more focused purview, the future
bureau would be best placed to explore possible improvement
measures;
(iv) motivating the commercialisation of R&D results. On various
occasions, Members have stressed the importance of
commercialisation to the success of scientific development in the
long term. The future ITB will devise further measures to
achieve this;
(v) coordinating inter-bureau policy efforts of areas such as working
with the Food and Health Bureau and Department of Health in
Chinese medicines research and development; the Environment
Bureau and Environmental Protection Department on renewable
energy and waste management technologies; and amongst bureau
and departments on e-initiatives for example, paperless
government;
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(vi) identifying measures to strengthen policy research and
collaboration with different places to promote bilateral scientific
and technology exchanges. With increased investment in science
and technology on the Mainland by both the public and private
sectors, there would be new collaboration opportunities in future.
To keep tabs of evolving world technology trends, the future ITB
would continue to explore opportunities with other advance
economies;
(vii) spearheading the development of strategies to take forward the
various smart initiatives enshrined in the Digital 21 Strategy, for
example, the wider use of Internet of Things, big data, e-Identity
and to coordinate the efforts of stakeholders both within and
outside Government in this regard; and
(viii) developing and driving forward looking measures to nurture
innovation and technology talents.
Future Work of CCIB of CEDB
12. With the transfer of ITC and OGCIO to the new ITB, the
proposed CCIB will continue to take policy carriage in respect of
telecommunications, broadcasting, control of obscene and indecent
articles, film censorship and creative industries matters. The CCIB
would also be able to focus its attention on policy development issues.
13. Specifically, CCIB will lead an extensive policy and
legislative exercise to review the existing Broadcasting Ordinance and
Telecommunications Ordinance. This undertaking made by the
Government in the passage of the Communications Authority Bill in 2011
seeks, amongst other matters, to develop a legislative regime in response
to technological development and keep pace with new trends in the
broadcasting and telecommunications arena. We envisage that
additional manpower would be needed for this specific task and the ITB
Panel would be consulted separately.
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14. On the on-going duties and responsibilities, CCIB will
continue to ensure that the broadcasting and telecommunications policies
and associated measures are kept abreast of the times. It would help
process the applications for renewal of various television and sound
broadcasting licences and handle the associated matters, as well as the
arrangements for the analogue television switchover.
15. Furthermore, CCIB will have the capacity to devote more
attention on the development of creative industries (e.g. review of the
Film Development Fund and the CreateSmart Initiative), and to develop
polices and measures to dovetail the recommendations of the Economic
Development Commission, the work of which is underway.
Organisation of the proposed ITB
16. In line with the set-up of other bureaux in the Government
Secretariat, the new ITB will be headed by a non-civil service Director of
Bureau (DoB) to be titled as S for IT. The S for IT will be underpinned
by two politically appointed officials (PAOs), namely the Under Secretary
for Innovation and Technology and the Political Assistant to the S for IT.
S for IT’s office would be supported by one Administrative Assistant at
the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade C (AOSGC) (D2), one
Press Secretary at the rank of Chief Information Officer, and four
non-directorate civil service staff of secretarial and chauffeur grades.
17. A new Permanent Secretary post at the rank of
Administrative Officer Staff Grade A1 (AOSGA1) (D8) is proposed to be
created as the Controlling Officer and the head of the civil servants and
other staff in the ITB as well as the current ITC and OGCIO. In
addition, an Innovation and Technology Branch headed by a Deputy
Secretary will provide policy and administrative support to the Permanent
Secretary.
18. ITB would have staff from different grades and ranks and the
job descriptions for the three PAOs and the four1
new directorate posts in
ITB are given in Annexes G(i) to G(vii).
1
Including the Administrative Assistant to S for IT at the rank of AOSGC (D2)
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Organisation of the proposed CCIB of CEDB
19. After the re-organisation, the existing CTB will be retitled as
CCIB. It will continue to be headed by a Permanent Secretary to be
retitled as the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic
Development (Communications and Creative Industries) (PSCCI) who
will mainly focus on the work elaborated in paragraphs 12-15. The
existing job description of the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and
Economic Development (Communications and Technology) (PSCT) and
the proposed job descriptions of the PSCCI are at Annexes H(i) and H(ii)
respectively. The duties of the remaining directorate officers in CTB will
remain unchanged but their post titles will be suitably revised.
Non-directorate Support
20. In view of the operational needs and to cope with the
expected increase in workload, the new bureau will comprise a total of 27
non-directorate permanent civil service posts (19 new posts and eight
posts redeployed from the existing CTB, ITC and OGCIO).
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
21. We have critically examined other ways of setting up the
ITB and the possibility of re-deploying other permanent directorate
officers at D2 and above at CEDB, ITC and OGCIO for the purpose.
Merging of functions of ITC and OGCIO with ITB
22. We consider the option of merging ITC and OGCIO to
constitute a new ITB to be headed by a new DoB not feasible. Such
arrangement does not fit the purpose of strengthening, in terms of depth
and breadth, the policy support for innovation and technology.
Although the two agencies are also responsible for formulating policies of
their respective areas, they are at present heavily committed to various
daily operational and technical functions. The Commissioner of
Innovation and Technology (CIT) and the Government Chief Information
Officer (GCIO) are already fully loaded with overseeing and leading the
work of the two agencies under their respective portfolios without spare
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capacities to head a dedicated new policy team to take up new policy
responsibilities of the new bureau. Current workload of ITC and
OGCIO are set out at Annex I and Annex J respectively.
23. Under our proposal, the PAOs and dedicated directorate
officers in the ITB would take on high-level formulation of policies with
ITC and OGCIO as the technical agencies, providing recommendations
and other necessary input and serving as a direct link to different
stakeholders. There would neither be any overlapping of nor reduction
in the functions of ITC and OGCIO as a result of the establishment of the
ITB.
Re-deployment of resources
24. As shown at Annexes I and J, the current workload of ITC
and OGCIO are already at full capacity. All the existing permanent
directorate officers are already fully engaged in their respective portfolios
in promoting the development of innovation and technology with no
room for redeployment.
25. Re-deployment from CEDB, in particular CTB, is also not
feasible. At present, CIT and GCIO report directly to PSCT on policy
and operational matters. They handle practically all of their
administrative matters. The sides under the Deputy Secretary for
Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and
Technology) and Head of CreateHK are already fully engaged in work
concerning telecommunications, broadcasting and creative industries.
There is no room for re-deployment from them.
LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURES AND TIMETABLE
26. In order to establish the ITB, the Administration needs to
move a resolution to give effect to the transfer of relevant statutory
functions to the new S for IT and Permanent Secretary for Innovation and
Technology (PSIT). Pursuant to section 54A of the Interpretation and
General Clauses Ordinance (Cap. 1), the Legislative Council (LegCo)
may by resolution provide for the transfer of statutory functions vested in
one public officer to another. The resolution will provide that, with
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effect from a certain date, the relevant functions under the Electronic
Transactions Ordinance (Cap. 553) currently exercisable by the Secretary
for Commerce and Economic Development and PSCT be transferred to
the S for IT and PSIT respectively. The Administration also needs to
amend, by an order of the Chief Executive in Council under section 62(3)
of Cap. 1, the list of public officers set out in Schedule 6 to Cap. 1 so that
the S for IT may signify the exercise of power or performance by the
Chief Executive.
27. The resolution needs to undergo the positive vetting
procedure by the LegCo. We will serve notice as soon as possible for
moving the resolution after completing necessary consultation with the
relevant LegCo Panels and the approval by the Finance Committee (FC).
The order is subject to the negative vetting procedure by LegCo and
should be made after the resolution has been passed.
28. With the support of the Panel on the proposal, we will seek
support from the Establishment Sub-Committee of the FC on the
proposed staffing proposal and approval from the FC on the creation of
posts and a new Head of Expenditure under the General Revenue
Account for the new ITB with the allocation of supplementary provisions
upon the transfer of relevant provisions from the relevant Heads of
Expenditure of CTB, OCGIO and ITC to the new Head of ITB as
appropriate.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
29. The additional staff costs arising from the establishment of
the ITB are as follows –
Full annual average staff cost
Creation of three PAOs $7,242,000 to $8,316,000
Creation of four directorate civil
service posts
$12,475,000
(The additional notional annual
salary cost at mid-point amounts to
$8,276,400 per annum)
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Creation of 19 new non-directorate
civil service posts
$14,314,000
(The additional notional annual
salary cost at mid-point amounts to
$10,122,660 per annum)
Total Staff Cost $34,031,000 to $35,105,000
30. Subject to the completion of legislative procedures and
approval of the FC to provide the necessary funds for the additional
PAOs and the new ITB, a total supplementary provision of $32,452,000
for the full year 2014-15 will be required under the new Head of
Expenditure to be created for ITB. This would be partly offset by a total
decrease of $2,688,000 arising from the net transfer out of provision from
the Heads of Expenditure under CTB, ITC and OGCIO. The net
increase of $29,764,000 represents the additional salary provision and the
necessary operational costs for the new ITB for a twelve-month period in
2014-15. Actual provision to be allocated will be subject to adjustment
as appropriate depending on the effective date when the new ITB will be
established.
ADVICE SOUGHT
31. Members are invited to support the establishment of the
proposed ITB, the associated staffing proposal mentioned above and the
consequential changes to be made to the Annual Estimates of the relevant
financial years to meet the cost of the proposal. They are also invited to
express their views on the proposal as set out in the paper.
Commerce and Economic Development Bureau
April 2014
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Existing Organisation Chart of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED)
Legend
AOSGA1 Administrative Officer Staff Grade A1
AOSGB1 Administrative Officer Staff Grade B1
AOSGC Administrative Officer Staff Grade C
Permanent Secretary for Commerce and
Economic Development
(Communications and Technology)
(AOSGA1) (D8)
(Commerce, Industry and Tourism)
(AOSGA1) (D8)
Administrative
Assistant to SCED
(AOSGC) (D2)
Political Assistant
to SCED
Under Secretary for
Commerce and Economic
Development
Communications and Technology Branch Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch
Annex A

Existing Organisation Chart of the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch
of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau
Legend
AOSGA1 Administrative Officer Staff Grade A1 AOSGB Administrative Officer Staff Grade B PEO Principal Executive Officer
AOSGA Administrative Officer Staff Grade A AOSGC Administrative Officer Staff Grade C
AOSGB1 Administrative Officer Staff Grade B1 SPEO Senior Principal Executive Officer
Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development
(Communications and Technology) (AOSGA1) (D8)
(Commerce, Industry and Tourism) (AOSGA1) (D8)
Principal
Assistant
Secretary
(Commerce
and Industry)1
(AOSGC) (D2)
Administrative
Assistant to SCED
(AOSGC) (D2)
Political
Assistant to
SCED
Under Secretary
for Commerce and
Economic
Development
Deputy Secretary
(Commerce and Industry)1
(AOSGB1) (D4)
Principal
Assistant
Secretary
(Commerce
and Industry)2
(AOSGC) (D2)
Principal
Executive
Officer
(Administration)
(PEO) (D1)
Principal
Assistant
Secretary
(Commerce
and Industry)3
(AOSGC) (D2)
Deputy Secretary
(AOSGB) (D3)
Principal
Assistant
Secretary
(Commerce
and Industry)4
(AOSGC) (D2)
Principal
Assistant
Secretary
(Commerce
and Industry)5
(AOSGC) (D2)
Deputy Secretary
(AOSGB) (D3)
Principal
Assistant
Secretary
(Commerce and
Industry)
Special Duties
(AOSGC) (D2)
Tourism Commission
Commissioner for Tourism
(AOSGA) (D6)
Deputy Commissioner
for Tourism
(AOSGB) (D3)
Assistant
Commissioner
for Tourism (1)
AOSGC (D2)
Assistant
Commissioner
for Tourism (2)
AOSGC (D2)
Assistant
Commissioner
for Tourism (3)
SPEO (D2)
Assistant
Commissioner
for Tourism (4)
AOSGC (D2)
Registrar of
Travel Agents
PEO (D1)
Annex B

Existing Organisation Chart of the Communications and Technology Branch
Legend
AOSGA1 Administrative Officer Staff Grade A1 DCIT Deputy Commissioner for Innovation and Technology AGCIO(IF) AGCIO (Industry Facilitation)
AOSGB1 Administrative Officer Staff Grade B1 ACIT Assistant Commissioner for Innovation and Technology AGCIO(SD) AGCIO (Strategy Development)
AOSGB Administrative Officer Staff Grade B AC(F) Assistant Commissioner (Funding Schemes) AGCIO(IS) AGCIO (IT Strategy)
AOSGC Administrative Officer Staff Grade C AC(I&Q) Assistant Commissioner (Infrastructure & Quality Services) AGCIO(G&R) AGCIO (Governance and Resources)
DGCIO Deputy Government Chief Information Officer AC(PD) Assistant Commissioner (Policy and Development) AGCIO(OP) AGCIO (IT Operations)
AGCIO Assistant Government Chief Information Officer SG(TC) Secretary-General (Testing and Certification) CSM(DI) CSM (Digital Inclusion)
DDITS Deputy Director of Information Technology Services HA Head, Accreditation Service CSM(P) CSM (Projects)
ADITS Assistant Director of Information Technology Services HL Head, Standards and Calibration Laboratory CSM Chief Systems Manager
CEME Chief Electrical and Mechanical Engineer EA(A) Executive Administrator (Accreditation) CEE Chief Electronics Engineer
PAS Principal Assistant Secretary
Deputy Secretary for Commerce
and Economic Development
(AOSGB1) (D4)
Government Chief Information Officer (D6)Commissioner for Innovation and Technology (D6)
Administrative Assistant
to SCED
(AOSGC) (D2)
(Communications and Technology) (AOSGA1) (D8)
PAS(A)
(AOSGC)
(D2)
PAS(B)
(AOSGC)
(D2)
Biotechnology
Director
(non-civil
service position
at D2 -
equivalent)
Science
Advisor
(non-civil
service
position at D2
-equivalent)
HA (EA(A))
(D1)
HL (CEE/CEME)
(D1)
DCIT (AOSGB) (D3)
AC(F)
(AOSGC)
(D2)
AC(PD)
(AOSGC)
(D2)
AGCIO(SD)
(AOSGC)
(D2)
DGCIO (Policy and Community)
(AOSGB) (D3)
CSM(G&R)
(CSM)
(D1)
CSM(SD)
(CSM)
(D1)
AGCIO(IF)
(ADITS)
(D2)
AGCIO(OP)
(ADITS)
(D2)
AGCIO(IS)
(ADITS)
(D2)
AGCIO(G&R)
(ADITS)
(D2)
CSM(DI)
(CSM)
(D1)
CSM(P)
(CSM)
(D1)
DGCIO (Consulting and Operations)
(DDITS) (D3)
CSM(OP)
(CSM)
(D1)
CSM(IS)
(CSM)
(D1)
CSM(IF)1
(CSM)
(D1)
CSM(IF)2
(CSM)
(D1)
AC(I&Q)
(ACIT)
(D2)
SG(TC)
(AOSGC)
(D2)
Head of CreateHK (D3)
Secretary - General of
Film Development
Council / AH(2)
(D2)
AH(1)
SPEO
(D2)
Political Assistant
to SCED
Under Secretary for Commerce
and Economic Development
Annex C

Proposed Organisation Chart of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau
Legend
AOSGA1 Administrative Officer Staff Grade A1 AOSGC Administrative Officer Staff Grade C
Post and branch to be retitled
(Communications and Creative Industries)
(AOSGA1) (D8)
(Commerce, Industry and Tourism)
(AOSGA1) (D8)
Administrative
Assistant to SCED
(AOSGC) (D2)
Political Assistant
to SCED
Under Secretary for
Commerce and Economic
Development
Communications and Creative Industries Branch Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch
Annex D

Proposed Organisation Chart of the Communications and Creative Industries Branch
Legend
AOSGA1 Administrative Officer Staff Grade A1 AOSGC Administrative Officer Staff Grade C AH Assistant Head
AOSGB1 Administrative Officer Staff Grade B1 SPEO Senior Principal Executive Officer PAS Principal Assistant Secretary
Post and branch to be retitled
(Communications and Creative Industries) (AOSGA1) (D8)
PAS(A)
(AOSGC) (D2)
PAS(B)
(AOSGC) (D2)
Secretary - General of Film
Development Council / AH(2)
(D2)
AH(1)
SPEO (D2)
Administrative
Assistant to SCED
(AOSGC) (D2)
Political
Assistant to
SCED
Under Secretary
for Commerce and
Economic
Development
Communications and Creative Industries Branch
Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic
Development (Communications and Creative Industries)
(AOSGB1) (D4)
Create Hong Kong
Head of CreateHK (D3)
Annex E

Proposed Organisation Chart of the Innovation and Technology Bureau
Legend
AOSGA1 Administrative Officer Staff Grade A1 DCIT Deputy Commissioner for Innovation and Technology AGCIO(IF) AGCIO (Industry Facilitation)
AOSGB Administrative Officer Staff Grade B ACIT Assistant Commissioner for Innovation and Technology AGCIO(SD) AGCIO (Strategy Development)
AOSGC Administrative Officer Staff Grade C AC(F) Assistant Commissioner (Funding Schemes) AGCIO(IS) AGCIO (IT Strategy)
DGCIO Deputy Government Chief Information Officer AC(I&Q) Assistant Commissioner (Infrastructure & Quality Services) AGCIO(G&R) AGCIO (Governance and Resources)
AGCIO Assistant Government Chief Information Officer AC(PD) Assistant Commissioner (Policy and Development) AGCIO(OP) AGCIO (IT Operations)
DDITS Deputy Director of Information Technology Services SG(TC) Secretary-General (Testing and Certification) CSM(DI) CSM (Digital Inclusion)
ADITS Assistant Director of Information Technology Services HA Head, Accreditation Service CSM(P) CSM (Projects)
CEME Chief Electrical and Mechanical Engineer HL Head, Standards and Calibration Laboratory CSM Chief Systems Manager
PAS Principal Assistant Secretary EA(A) Executive Administrator (Accreditation) CEE Chief Electronics Engineer
New posts/positions proposed to be created
Office of the Government Chief Information Officer
Government Chief Information Officer (D6)
Innovation and Technology Commission
Commissioner for Innovation and Technology (D6)
Permanent Secretary for Innovation and Technology
(AOSGA1) (D8)
Biotechnology
Director
(non-civil
service position
at D2 -
equivalent)
Science
Advisor
(non-civil
service position
at D2 -
equivalent)
HA (EA(A))
(D1)
HL (CEE/CEME)
(D1)
DCIT (AOSGB) (D3)
AC(F)
(AOSGC)
(D2)
AC(PD)
(AOSGC)
(D2)
AGCIO(SD)
(AOSGC)
(D2)
DGCIO (Policy and Community)
(AOSGB) (D3)
CSM(G&R)
(CSM)
(D1)
CSM(SD)
(CSM)
(D1)
AGCIO(IF)
(ADITS)
(D2)
AGCIO(OP)
(ADITS)
(D2)
AGCIO(IS)
(ADITS)
(D2)
AGCIO(G&R)
(ADITS)
(D2)
CSM(DI)
(CSM)
(D1)
CSM(P)
(CSM)
(D1)
DGCIO (Consulting and Operations)
(DDITS) (D3)
CSM(OP)
(CSM)
(D1)
CSM(IS)
(CSM)
(D1)
CSM(IF)1
(CSM)
(D1)
CSM(IF)2
(CSM)
(D1)
AC(I&Q)
(ACIT)
(D2)
SG(TC)
(AOSGC)
(D2)
Innovation and Technology Branch
Deputy Secretary for Innovation and
Technology (AOSGB) (D3)
PAS(IT)
(AOSGC)
(D2)
Administrative
Assistant to
S for IT
(AOSGC)
(D2)
Political
Assistant to
S for IT
Under Secretary
for Innovation
and Technology
Secretary for Innovation and Technology (S for IT)
Annex F

Annex G(i)
Job Description
Secretary for Innovation and Technology
1. To gauge public opinion and respond to the needs of the community.
2. To set policy objective and goals, and develop, formulate and shape
policies.
3. To assist the Chief Executive in policy making as Members of the Executive
Council.
4. To secure the support of the community and the Legislative Council (LegCo)
for his/her policy and legislative initiatives as well as proposals relating to
fees and charges and public expenditure.
5. To attend full sessions of LegCo to initiate bills or motions, respond to
motions and answer questions from LegCo Members.
6. To attend LegCo committee, subcommittee and panel meetings where major
policy issues are involved.
7. To exercise the statutory functions vested in him/her by law.
8. To oversee the delivery of services by the executive departments under
his/her purview and ensure the effective implementation and successful
outcome of policies.
----------------------------------

Annex G(ii)
Job Description
Under Secretary for Innovation and Technology
Title of Position : Under Secretary for Innovation and Technology
Rank : Deputy Director of Bureau (non-civil service rank)
Responsible to : Secretary for Innovation and Technology (S for IT)
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Assisting S for IT in –
Leadership and Strategies
1. setting policy objectives and priorities, formulating policy and legislative
initiatives to achieve agreed objective and priorities, scheduling the roll-out
of these policies and legislation, and mapping out overall strategies to
secure public support for these initiatives.
2. coordinating with other bureaux/departments on cross-bureau issues
requiring political input to ensure that the objective and priorities of the
Government are achieved.
Legislative Council (LegCo) Business and Political Liaison
3. handling LegCo business and strengthening the working relationship with
LegCo by –
(a) deputising for S for IT in his/her absence;
(b) attending the main meetings of LegCo as assigned by S for IT to
respond to motion debates and LegCo questions, and handling
legislative work;
(c) attending committee, subcommittee and panel meetings of LegCo as
assigned by S for IT to explain and defend the Government’s policy
decisions and exchange views with Members;
(d) maintaining regular liaison with LegCo Members to ensure that the
process of policy formulation and implementation benefits from
Members’ ideas and input, and that Members acquire a fuller

understanding of the position taken by the Government; and
(e) scheduling and securing the passage of bills, motions and subsidiary
legislation as well as public expenditure proposals through LegCo, and
delivering the Government’s legislative and budgetary programme.
4. attending public forums and other functions to explain and defend
proposals and decisions made by the political team and to answer questions
from LegCo Members, stakeholders and the public.
5. maintaining close contact with the media for the purpose of enabling the
media to be aware of the policy thinking of the Government.
6. maintaining close contact with other stakeholders, such as District Councils,
political parties/groups, community organisations as well as business,
professional and other bodies, and gauging public sentiment and
establishing community-wide rapport on government policies and
decisions.
----------------------------------------
- 2 -

Annex G(iii)
Job description
Political Assistant to Secretary for Innovation and Technology
Title of Position : Political Assistant to Secretary for Innovation and
Technology
Rank : Political Assistant to Director of Bureau
(non-civil service rank)
Responsible to : The Secretary for Innovation and Technology (S for
IT) and Under Secretary for Innovation and
Technology (USIT)
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Rendering support to S for IT and USIT by –
Strategies and Political Advice
1. providing advice from the political perspective for consideration by S for IT
and USIT.
2. contributing to formulation of policy and legislative initiatives, as well as
assisting in mapping out overall strategies by giving inputs with a political
viewpoint.
3. advising on submissions to the Legislative Council (LegCo) and other
publications, highlighting any aspect which he/she considers has political
implications, and handling sensitive political points according to the direction
of S for IT and USIT.
4. drafting speeches, media statements and other articles, as directed by S for IT
and USIT.
Political Liaison
5. providing advice on the handling of invitations and correspondence from
political parties/groups to S for IT and USIT
6. assessing from time to time the need for lobbying political parties/groups in
dealing with LegCo business and providing advice to S for IT and USIT

accordingly.
7. liaising with members of political parties/groups, District Councils,
community organisations as well as business, professional and other bodies
at the instruction of S for IT and USIT to brief them on issues under the
purview of the S for IT, listen to their views on issues of concern, and solicit
their support for the Government policies concerned.
8. liaising with the media according to the direction of the S for IT and USIT to
convey the Government’s position on issues and policies concerned.
9. monitoring views from interest groups and the general public on policy
issues concerned and assessing the political implications.
--------------------------------------
- 2 -

Annex G(iv)
Job Description
Administrative Assistant to the
Secretary for Innovation and Technology
Rank : Administrative Officer Staff Grade C (D2)
Main Duties and Responsibilities –
1. To provide general administrative support to S for IT.
2. To co-ordinate submissions to S for IT.
3. To co-ordinate and handle replies to correspondence, including
complaints, addressed to S for IT.
4. To prepare speeches and statements to be delivered by S for IT, in
co-ordination with the Press Secretary to S for IT.
5. To plan S for IT’s programme of official visits and duty trips, both
locally and overseas, and co-ordinate the preparation of briefs for
such visits and follow-up action as required.
6. To plan meetings on various subjects, prepare briefs, and service
meetings chaired by S for IT.
7. To undertake special policy assignments including special policy
review and other administrative duties as S for IT may from time to
time direct.
------------------------------

Annex G(v)
Job Description
Permanent Secretary for Innovation and Technology
Rank : Administrative Officer Staff Grade A1 (D8)
1. To assist S for IT in reviewing and formulating government
policies, legislative proposals and implementation programmes in
areas of information technology and innovation and technology.
2. To assist S for IT in acquiring resources and deploying measures to
support the implementation of policies and delivery of services.
3. To assist S for IT in explaining and defending policies in Legislative
Council (LegCo) Panels and Committees, in securing support of the
public and LegCo, and in dealing with LegCo business.
4. To steer and coordinate with the executive departments to achieve
smooth, timely and effective implementation of policies and
programmes.
5. To uphold the reliability and professional standards in the delivery
of services by executive departments.
6. To serve as the Controlling Officer for the expenditure head of the
Innovation and Technology Bureau (ITB) and to ensure the proper
use of financial resources within the bureau.
7. To assume the housekeeping role in respect of the Innovation and
Technology Commission and the Office of the Government Chief
Information Officer.
8. To manage staff resources in ITB.
-------------------------------------

Annex G(vi)
Job Description
Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Technology
Rank : Administrative Officer Staff Grade B (D3)
Responsible to : Permanent Secretary for Innovation and Technology
(PSIT)
1. To assist PSIT in reviewing, formulating, evaluating and monitoring
government policies, legislative proposals and implementation
programmes in areas of information technology, innovation and
technology.
2. To devise strategic plans for the promotion of the development of
information technology, innovation and technology in Hong Kong.
3. To assist PSIT in steering and coordinating with the Office of the
Government Chief Information Officer and Innovation and
Technology Commission to achieve smooth, timely and effective
implementation of policies and programmes.
4. To represent PSIT on such committees and boards as may be
required.
5. To assist PSIT in managing staffing resources in the Innovation and
Technology Bureau, and in ensuring proper use of financial
resources.
--------------------------------

Annex G(vii)
Job Description
Principal Assistant Secretary for
Innovation and Technology
Rank : Administrative Officer Staff Grade C (D2)
Responsible to : Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Technology
(DSIT)
1. To provide support to DSIT in revising, evaluating, formulating and
monitoring government policies, legislative proposals and implementation
programmes in areas of information technology, innovation and technology.
2. To provide support to DSIT in devising strategic plans for the promotion of
the development of information technology, innovation and technology in
Hong Kong.
3. To provide support to DSIT in steering and coordinating with the Office of
the Government Chief Information Officer and Innovation and Technology
Commission to achieve smooth, timely and effective implementation of
policies and programmes.
------------------------------------

Annex H(i)
Job Description
Post title : Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic
Development (Communications and Technology)
Responsible to : Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED)
1. To assist SCED in reviewing and formulating government policies, legislative
proposals and implementation programmes in areas of broadcasting, creative
industries, telecommunications, information technology, innovation and
technology.
2. To assist SCED in acquiring and deploying measures to support the
implementation of policies and delivery of services.
3. To assist SCED in explaining and defending policies in Legislative Council
(LegCo) Panels and Committees, in securing support of the public and LegCo,
and in dealing with LegCo business.
4. To steer and coordinate with the executive departments to achieve smooth,
timely and effective implementation of policies and programmes.
5. To uphold the reliability and professional standards in the delivery of services
by executive departments.
6. To act as the Controlling Officer for the expenditure head of the
Communications and Technology Branch (CTB) and to ensure proper use of
financial resources.
7. To assume the housekeeping role in respect of the Radio Television Hong
Kong, the Office of the Communications Authority and the Office for Film,
Newspaper and Article Administration.
8. To manage staff resources in CTB.

Annex H(ii)
Job Description
(Communications and Creative Industries)
Post title : Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic
Development (Communications and Creative Industries)
Responsible to : Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development
(SCED)
1. To assist SCED in reviewing and formulating government policies, legislative
proposals and implementation programmes in areas of broadcasting, creative
industries and telecommunications.
2. To assist SCED in acquiring resources and deploying measures to support the
implementation of policies and delivery of services.
3. To assist SCED in explaining and defending policies in Legislative Council
(LegCo) Panels and Committees, in securing support of the public and
LegCo, and in dealing with LegCo business.
4. To steer and coordinate with the executive departments to achieve smooth,
timely and effective implementation of policies and programmes.
5. To uphold the reliability and professional standards in the delivery of services
by executive departments.
6. To act as the Controlling Officer for the expenditure head of the
Communications and Creative Industries branch (CCIB) and to ensure proper
use of financial resources.
7. To assume the housekeeping role in respect of the Radio Television Hong
Kong, the Office of the Communications Authority and the Office for Film,
Newspaper and Article Administration.
8. To manage staff resources in CCIB.

Annex I
Current Workload of the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC)
At present, ITC is fully occupied with various duties. Some major
ones are set out below –
(a) daily management of the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) where the
Commissioner for Innovation and Technology (CIT) is the vote controller;
(b) house-keeping and overseeing the operation of five Research and
Development (R&D) Centres under the ITC as well as the Hong Kong
Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) and the Hong Kong
Productivity Council (HKPC);
(c) providing infrastructural support to the innovation and technology sector;
(d) formulation, development and implementation of the Government’s policies,
programmes and measures to promote innovation and technology in Hong
Kong; and
(e) promoting the local testing and certification industry.
Further explanation is set out in paragraphs 2-10 below. The current
establishment of ITC is set out in paragraph 11.
Funding Support
2. CIT indeed plays a role akin to an angel investor in the science and
technology sector. Specially, CIT plays an instrumental role in the
management of the ITF as its vote controller. The ITF is an important public
resource in providing financial support for applied R&D and upgrading the
technology level of the industry. As at end-February 2014, ITF has approved
over 3 700 projects involving $8.2 billion of funding since its establishment in
1999. Every year, the ITF is disbursing around $700 million of funding
through its four funding programmes, namely the Innovation and Technology
Support Programme (ITSP), University-Industry Collaboration Programme
(UICP), Small Enterpreneur Research Assistance Programme (SERAP) and
General Support Programme (GSP). ITC is heavily involved in the
management of the ITF, including the work relating to project vetting,
monitoring and evaluation.
3. At present, ITC is conducting a comprehensive review of the operation
and effectiveness of the ITF to explore areas of improvements. As mentioned

by the Financial Secretary in his Speech on the 2014-15 Budget, ITC will
introduce two more proactive measures to promote private sector investment in
R&D and render stronger support to downstream R&D and commercialisation
activities. These include the establishment of a new Enterprise Support
Scheme to overcome the various constraints under the existing SERAP (e.g.
amount of funding and company size); and extending the existing funding scope
of ITF to cover development work and system integration, industrial design,
compliance testing and clinical trials, etc.
4. Apart from the ITF, the ITC is also administering the R&D Cash Rebate
Scheme since April 2010 where cash rebate is provided to eligible private
companies on their R&D investment. So far, companies have responded
positively towards the Scheme, particularly after the increase of the cash rebate
level from 10% to 30% in February 2012.
R&D Centres, HKSTPC and HKPC
5. In April 2006, the Government set up five R&D Centres as focal points
to drive and co-ordinate applied R&D and to promote commercialisation in five
focus areas, namely nanotechnology and advanced materials, textile and
clothing, automotive parts and accessory systems, logistics and supply chain
management enabling technologies, and information and communications
technologies. CIT or her representative sits on the Boards of Directors of the
R&D Centres to provide input from the Government’s perspective. We are
delighted to report that after some eight years of operation, the R&D centres
have gradually become more mature. They have recently begun to generate
some commercialisation results.
6. Apart from the R&D Centres, CIT or her representative is also a
member of the Board of Director of the HKSTPC and the Council of HKPC, and
provide substantial input to and maintain close ties with the two organisations.
Realisation of R&D Results
7. The ITC has been promoting collaboration among the Government,
industry, academia and research sectors to promote R&D as well as transferring
the R&D results to the industry. In order to promote real world application of
R&D results, ITC launched the Public Sector Trial Scheme in 2011, where
additional funding is provided to completed R&D projects funded by the ITF for
the production of tools/prototypes/samples and the conducting of trials in the
- 2 -

public sector. Examples include the collaboration of the R&D Centre for
Logistics and Supply Chain Management Enabling Technologies with the Hong
Kong Customs and Excise Department to apply the ‘E-Lock-Based Enabling
Technology’ at the boundary control points in order to reduce repeated customs
inspection for cargo containers at the control points and facilitate quicker and
more efficient logistics flow between Hong Kong and the Mainland.
Mainland and International Collaboration
8. The ITC is working with stakeholders to enhance collaboration with the
Mainland on science and technology so as to capitalise on the opportunities
presented by the National 12th Five-Year Plan. The ITC is also collaborating
with the Consulate General (CG) of various overseas governments to promote
bilateral scientific and technology exchanges, including signing Memoranda of
Understanding with other economies on science and technology collaboration.
Infrastructural Support
9. With a view to developing world-class support infrastructure to
facilitate technological upgrading and development of the industry and to
promote innovation and technology, the ITC supports and closely work with
organisations such as the HKSTPC and the HKPC. In particular, the ITC is
working closely with HKSTPC on the development of the Hong Kong Science
Park Phase Three, revitalisation of the Industrial Estates and the feasibility study
on expanding the Yuen Long Industrial Estate. The ITC is also closely
monitoring the delivery of value-added support services to the manufacturing
and related service industries by the HKPC.
Testing and Certification
10. The ITC is also providing support to the Hong Kong Council for
Testing and Certification (HKCTC). The HKCTC was established in 2009 as
an advisory body to spearhead the development of Hong Kong's testing and
certification industry, a sector with good potentials and where Hong Kong
enjoys clear advantages. CIT or her representative is a member of the council,
and a dedicated team from ITC is serving as its secretariat. Since its set up, the
HKCTC has formulated strategies and implemented measures to enhance the
factors of production relevant to the testing and certification industry, and
promoting the industry locally and outside Hong Kong.
- 3 -

11. The directorate establishment of the ITC was seven since April 2004,
and eight since April 2010 with the addition of one supernumerary AOSGC to
take up responsibility as Secretary-General (SG) of the then newly established
HKCTC (the SG post has been converted to a permanent AOSGC position with
effect from 1 April 2014). The non-directorate establishment of the ITC was
177 in April 2004; 164 in April 2006 notwithstanding the setting up of the five
research and development centres in the same year; and 190 in April 2014 (the
latter figure already included 10 newly approved civil service posts under the
HKCTC and 16 civil service posts which were converted from non-civil service
contract positions in the Quality Services Division for promoting the
development of the testing and certification industry).
- 4 -

Annex J
Current Workload of
Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO)
OGCIO provides leadership for the development of information
technology within and outside the Government. Headed by the Government
Chief Information Officer, OGCIO provides a single focal point with
responsibility for IT policies, strategies, programmes and measures under the
Government’s Digital 21 Strategy. OGCIO seeks to —
(a) ensure that the Government provides the public with information and
services they need in an efficient and convenient manner by using IT
appropriately, and supporting bureaux and department to make best use of
IT to achieve their policy objectives;
(b) support the development of community-wide information technology
infrastructure and setting of technical and professional standards to
strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a world digital city; and
(c) promote and facilitate the wider use of IT in the business sector and the
community, and building a digitally inclusive society in Hong Kong.
2. In seeking to achieve the above objectives, OGCIO is guided by the
current version of the Digital 21 Strategy (the Strategy) which sets out the
blueprint for Hong Kong’s overall development in Information and
Communications Technology (ICT). The Strategy is being updated. The
current focus of OGCIO is set out in paragraphs 3 to 7 below.
(a) Supporting Bureaux and Departments
3. OGCIO formulates government-wide IT strategy and advises
government bureaux and departments in their formulation of departmental IT
strategy addressing the policy objectives. Under the Pan-Government IT
Strategy promulgated in June 2011, OGCIO works to facilitate the 12
government bureaux and around 70 departments and related organisations to
plan and execute their IT-enabled change initiatives in a more agile, cost
effective and joined-up manner by adopting cloud computing technology.
OGCIO also establishes and maintains an advanced and secure electronic

communications infrastructure for effective and efficient communications and
collaboration in government operations and delivery of public services.
4. OGCIO facilitates service transformation in the public sector through
providing the one-stop portal of government information and e-services (i.e.
GovHK and MyGovHK), and developing common shared services such as
electronic recordkeeping, collaborative workspace, electronic procurement,
Government Human Resources Management Services (GovHRMS). It also
facilitates the implementation of mobile e-government services through
providing support to Government departments and developing mobile
applications commonly used by them for public services.
5. OGCIO also provides common facilities for the reliable, agile, stable
and cost-effective delivery of e-government services, such as E-Government
Infrastructure Service, Government Cloud Platform and Government Data
Centre Service. It keeps the government IT security policy and requirements in
pace with technology advancement and international best practices, and enforces
compliance by government bureaux and departments.
(b) Community wide Information Technical Infrastructure
6. OGCIO seeks to ensure that a sound legal framework under the
Electronic Transactions Ordinance (Cap. 553) is in place for the conduct of
secure electronic transactions in Hong Kong. It also works to facilitate cross-
boundary e-commerce by instituting and enhancing the mechanism for the
mutual recognition of electronic signature certificates issued by Hong Kong and
Guangdong. At the same time, OGCIO collaborates with relevant
organisations to raise the awareness of cyber security in the public and private
sectors in tackling cyber threats. In terms of manpower, OGCIO devotes a lot
of resources to facilitate the continuous upgrading of the IT workforce
(c) Wider use of IT in the business sector and the community
7. OGCIO is implementing the following programmes to promote a
knowledge-based society and narrow the digital divide —
 Internet Learning Support Programme — The five-year Internet
Learning Support Programme “I learn at home”, launched in July
2011 to help students from low-income families to undertake
web-based learning at home, was last reviewed in 2013 and OGCIO is
- 2 -

working with the scheme implementators to ensure the programme’s
effective operation.
 City-wide WiFi — OGCIO launched the GovWiFi Programme in
2008, and continues to extend service coverage to more premises
including leisure locations and popular focal points such as beaches,
major district parks and harbourfront promenades. With a view to
enhancing the programme, OGCIO is liaising with other
government-related organisations to facilitate them to provide Wi-Fi
services at their premises (such as public hospitals) through
partnership with Wi-Fi operators.
 Digital Inclusion Applications and Web Accessibility Campaign—
OGCIO supports the development of applications with contents or
services that cater for the needs of elderly and under-privileged groups.
It has also dedicated resources to implement a Web Accessibility
Campaign since October 2011 to promote web accessibility through a
multi-pronged strategy.
 Encouraging ICT Adoption among the Elderly — OGCIO has been
organising territory-wide recognition scheme to show appreciation to
the elderly who make good use of ICT in their daily lives to narrow
inter-generational gap, promote social inclusion, broaden knowledge,
and enhance quality of life.
In the context of the business community, OGCIO –
 champions initiatives and measures to develop Hong Kong as a prime
location for high-tier data centres in the region by working through the
Data Centre Facilitation Unit to provide information and one-stop
support to assist interested organisations in setting up data centres in
Hong Kong;
 maintains and identifies opportunities for collaboration with the
Mainland through the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement
(CEPA) to facilitate Hong Kong companies to tap into the Mainland
market; and
 hosts signature events to showcase Hong Kong’s ICT achievements
and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a regional ICT hub.
- 3 -

8. The coming few years would be particularly important to the work of
OGCIO as the Department embarks on implementing the initiatives in the new
Digital 21 Strategy. High level co-ordination and focused attention are crucial
in the successful implementation of the New Strategy, in particular in driving the
smart city development, the e-ID initiative, paperless and collaborative
government, and more integrated and joined-up e-Government services
9. OGCIO is headed by Government Chief Information Officer (D6),
with two Deputy Government Chief Information Officers (DGCIOs) (D3) who
are responsible respectively for Policy & Community and Consulting &
Operations. The two DGCIOs are underpinned by five Assistant Government
Chief Information Officers (four D2 Departmental Officers and one AOSGC)
and eight Chief Systems Managers (D1).
- 4 -

Administrative and funding proposal to Legco on the Innovation and Technology Bureau (April 2014)

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Administrative and funding proposal to Legco on the Innovation and Technology Bureau (April 2014)