Media

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) today (1 September) unveiled the 2025 rankings of the world’s top 100 innovation clusters, with the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster securing the top spot as the world’s leading innovation hub. This marks the fifth consecutive year the cluster has been ranked among the forefront of the index, now ascending to first place, highlighting its sustained excellence in innovation and technological advancement. Through deep collaboration and resource integration, the cluster has successfully harnessed its complementary strengths, further cementing its status as a global innovation powerhouse.  

Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), extended his congratulations on the cluster’s remarkable achievement, “We are grateful for the strong support from the nation and the HKSAR government for innovation. This accolade highlights the collective efforts of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster to drive positive societal impact through cutting-edge research, global partnerships, and entrepreneurial initiatives. As a leading global university, HKU takes pride in playing a pivotal role in Hong Kong’s unique position as an international innovation and technology hub. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and talent development, HKU is committed to advancing groundbreaking innovations that address global challenges and contribute to a more prosperous and sustainable future.”  

The 2025 Global Innovation Ranking of World’s Top 100 Innovation Clusters evaluates innovation clusters based on three indicators: the density of patent filings, articles published in scientific research journals, and the newly added indicator of the volume of new venture capital transactions. HKU has made significant contributions in areas of patent filings and scientific papers published, consistently ranking among the world’s top institutions for research output and demonstrating its robust academic foundation.  

Professor Max Shen, Vice-President (Research) at HKU, emphasised the University’s role in fostering innovation, stating, “HKU is deeply honoured to contribute to this thriving innovation ecosystem. Moving forward, HKU remains steadfast in its mission to drive breakthrough innovations, creating profound and enduring impacts for both local and global communities through knowledge and technology transfer.”