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How mainland China streamlines national labs into tech war machines: the Hong Kong case
China overhauls Hong Kong’s sprawling network of state-backed research laboratories, turning them into sleek tech hubs
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Hong Kong’s once sprawling and diffuse network of state-backed research labs has undergone a surgical transformation – streamlined, repurposed and laser-focused on Beijing’s strategic technology ambitions.
In a move emblematic of China’s broader overhaul of its national scientific apparatus, the city has dismantled underperforming labs, rebranded legacy institutions and launched three cutting-edge facilities dedicated to quantum materials and climate resilience – all under tightened alignment with national priorities.
This quiet revolution is part of a nationwide push since 2022 to convert China’s bloated system of State Key Laboratories (SKLs) from academically driven, siloed entities into lean, mission-oriented “tech war machines” to make advances in critical fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology and brain science.
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With around 500 labs now approved nationwide under a restructured programme, the old model of loosely defined research has given way to a new doctrine: clear mandates, centralised funding and direct accountability to Beijing’s science supremacy agenda.
A ceremony in Hong Kong on Monday attended by Science and Technology Minister Yin Hejun, offered clues on the national strategic vision guiding the new developments for SKLs.
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Yin presented plaques to the directors of the revamped labs in Hong Kong and urged the city to support national development through innovation.
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