Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang today launched the 2004 Digital 21 Strategy, which will sustain the momentum in making Hong Kong a leading digital city.

The strategy has eight main areas of action, which include providing a more integrated structure to map out IT policies and strategies, driving the e-Government programme, championing the development of new applications and services, promoting IT adoption by business and the community, and fostering the development of the IT industry.

To achieve this, Mr Tsang said the Government will consider merging the Information Technology Services Department into the Communications & Technology Branch of the Commerce, Industry & Technology Bureau, and create a new Chief Information Officer post to provide strong and effective leadership to the new entity.

Eight main areas

Details of the eight main areas of action are:

* The Government will continue promoting Hong Kong's international image as a dynamic digital city, and facilitate the development of innovative applications, e-commerce and creative industries by providing the right support infrastructure, environment and programmes;

* It will sharpen the e-Government focus, drive utilisation, focus more on service quality and effectiveness in service delivery, and seek to bring value to customers and the Government;

* It will continue promoting e-business adoption, intensify support to different sectors provided by the two flagships at Cyberport and the Science Park, strengthen our policies and regulatory framework to facilitate the development of the broadcasting and telecommunications industries, facilitate the growth of our broadband infrastructure and wireless access, and further promote public awareness of cyber security;

* It will review the current institutional structures to ensure it has the right institution in place to lead, co-ordinate, monitor and ensure the effective implementation of the programme of measures highlighted above;

* It will continue with its investment in research and development, strengthen commercialisation arrangements, and foster the development of innovative applications and services in areas including wireless technologies, digital entertainment and open source software through provision of funding and other support measures;

* It will promote a vibrant, competitive and innovation-driven IT industry in Hong Kong by leveraging on the opportunities afforded by the Mainland market, brand-building and trade promotion efforts of the Trade Development Council, and our programmes to help the local industry enhance service quality and build capability;

* It will work with educational and vocational training institutions and the industry to enhance the training and skills of our workforce and the next generation; and,

* It will continue to enhance our programme of activities to bridge the digital divide so all sectors of the community will benefit from IT development in enhancing the quality of life. Specifically, the Government will work with the industry and community in establishing a Digital Solidarity Fund for activities aiming to build a digitally inclusive society.

An open process

Mr Tsang said the Government will flesh out the details of the many proposals contained in the updated strategy in the next 12 months.

"This will be done in an open and transparent manner, involving the contribution and participation of all stakeholders," he said.

"IT development is an evolutionary process that can only be sustained by continuous input in terms of innovation, investment, regulatory and policy support, and most important, the commitment of all stakeholders.

"The strategy sets out a sustainable programme of measures with the aim of realising the full potential of IT to accelerate Hong Kong's transition to a knowledge-based economy, and provide the impetus to economic growth and prosperity. We will continue to work closely together with all stakeholders in order to harness the benefits and opportunities of IT."

The strategy was first promulgated in 1998 and reviewed and updated in 2001.

Following a review of the implementation of the 2001 strategy, the Government published a draft updated strategy for public consultation late last year. Having carefully considered the 80 submissions received, the Government finalised the updated strategy.