Hong Kong has achieved improvements on many of the characteristics of a knowledge-based economy, according to a Census & Statistics Department report.

Hong Kong as a Knowledge-based Economy - A Statistical Perspective (2007 Edition), published today, said the city has excellent information and communication technology infrastructure and a steady growing trend in the adoption of information technology.

Favourable environment

Hong Kong people are increasingly equipped in knowledge and skills. The city's favourable business environment provides businesses with confidence, and research and development activities have been gaining momentum in recent years.

The publication presents statistical indicators to help portray the development of Hong Kong from different perspectives of a knowledge-based economy.

It incorporates from a variety of sources statistical indicators relevant to the development of a knowledge-based economy in the last decade and presents them in the form of graphical presentation and short descriptions for easy comparison.

Analytical framework

An analytical framework encompassing a suite of statistical indicators grouped into the following four dimensions is adopted:

* information and communication technology - indicators to reflect the efficiency and effectiveness of knowledge and information distribution and application in the economy;

* human resources development - indicators to reflect the quantity and quality of individuals equipped for access to and use of knowledge and information for further production, creation or distribution of knowledge and information in the economy;

* innovation system - indicators to reflect the quantity, quality and rate of knowledge and information production, creation or application in the economy; and,

* business environment - indicators to reflect a business environment conducive to the production, creation, distribution or application of knowledge and information in the economy.

The publication can be downloaded here free. For enquiries, call 2887 5560 or email stb1@censtatd.gov.hk.