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reflected that the number of patents filed carries very low weight
Figure 22 Hong Kong lacks an assessment in terms of researchers’ key performance indicators. Likewise,
framework for knowledge transfer
the current assessment and promotion frameworks have largely
ignored actions that represent actual transfer of patents into
commercial application, such as the granting of licences and
formation of spin-off companies.

Therefore, to foster a more vibrant culture of knowledge transfer
among institutions, and to encourage commercialisation of
research outcomes by researchers, we recommend that the UGC
establish an assessment framework for knowledge transfer in
Teaching Quality tertiary institutions and link certain government funding with
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Excellence Assurance universities’ performance under the framework, thereby
Framework Council encouraging healthy competitions among universities,
strengthening their commitment to knowledge transfer and
entrepreneurship and removing barriers for researchers.
Research Research
Excellence Assessment Recommendation 4.2 Relaxing regulations
Framework Exercise on professors engaging in outside work to foster
knowledge transfer
Not only do professors and academics in Hong Kong lack
Knowledge incentives to engage in knowledge transfer, they are also given
Exchange little flexibility to take part in such activities, with limitations on the
Framework number of hours permitted for outside work, clinical service and
consultancy work. As we have pointed out in our research report
“Building the Technology Bridge for Scientific Breakthroughs:
Sources: Times Higher Education, Research England, and University Grants Committee Developing an Innovation Hub of the Future”, the UGC requires

77 See Our Hong Kong Foundation’s report Building the Technology Bridge for Scientific Breakthroughs: Developing an Innovation Hub of the Future, which also recommends that the
government substantially increase recurrent funding on knowledge transfer so as to encourage professors to engage in knowledge transfer.
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