Open call for Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme 2021-22 and the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme
28/07/2021
Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme 2021-22 and
the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme
(Internal Deadline: 28 July 2021)
the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme
(Internal Deadline: 28 July 2021)
We are pleased to inform you that the Strategic Public Policy Research (SPPR) Funding Scheme 2021-22 is now open for application and write to invite applications from your institution. We also appeal for your continued support to the Public Policy Research (PPR) Funding Scheme of which the major themes and indicative research areas have recently been updated.
The SPPR Funding Scheme, together with the PPR Funding Scheme, both managed by the Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office (PICO), are two of the most well-established government-financed funding schemes dedicated to fostering and supporting evidence-based public policy research by higher education institutions and think tanks in Hong Kong. Applications for the SPPR Funding Scheme are invited once a year while those for the PPR Funding Scheme are accepted throughout the year. The total annual provision for the two schemes is around $30 million.
SPPR Funding Scheme
Four new strategic themes have been identified for the SPPR Funding Scheme 2021-22. They are - (a) Development Opportunities from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) under the National 14th Five-Year Plan; (b) “Dual Circulation” and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in Synergy with the Belt and Road Initiative; (c) Healthcare Innovations in the Post-COVID 19 Pandemic Era; and (d) Waste Management in the Post-COVID 19 Pandemic Era. The former two themes seek to promote research efforts on how best Hong Kong can capitalise on the opportunities available under the National 14th Five-Year Plan and GBA development having regard to the city’s positioning supported by the Central Government in the national development blueprint. The latter two seek to encourage innovation and technologies to improve Hong Kong’s preparedness and response to public health crises and waste management challenges in the light of lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The remaining 10 themes are carried over from the past year. The are - (a) Belt and Road Initiative: Economic and Trade Co-operation Zones; (b) Big Data / Smart City; (c) Innovation and Technology / Artificial Intelligence / Re-Industrialisation; (d) Alternative Procurement Models for Major Infrastructure Projects; (e) Developing Green Finance in Hong Kong; (f) Consolidating Hong Kong’s Position as an International Logistics Hub; (g) Transitional Housing; (h) Children, Youth and Family Development; (i) Ageing Population; and (j) Manpower Supply and Development.
PICO has set out indicative research areas under the strategic themes, which are of possible interest to the Government, for applicant’s reference. Details are set out in Annex I. We would like to emphasise that applicants are free to submit proposals on any research areas (in addition to the indicative research areas) under the 14 strategic themes. However, proposals with themes falling outside the strategic themes will generally not be considered, unless with exceptional merits.
A sum ranging from $3 million to $5 million may be granted to each successful SPPR project. The duration of research projects will normally last from three to five years. Projects with a shorter duration will be considered if strong justifications are provided.
The SPPR Funding Scheme, together with the PPR Funding Scheme, both managed by the Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office (PICO), are two of the most well-established government-financed funding schemes dedicated to fostering and supporting evidence-based public policy research by higher education institutions and think tanks in Hong Kong. Applications for the SPPR Funding Scheme are invited once a year while those for the PPR Funding Scheme are accepted throughout the year. The total annual provision for the two schemes is around $30 million.
SPPR Funding Scheme
Four new strategic themes have been identified for the SPPR Funding Scheme 2021-22. They are - (a) Development Opportunities from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) under the National 14th Five-Year Plan; (b) “Dual Circulation” and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in Synergy with the Belt and Road Initiative; (c) Healthcare Innovations in the Post-COVID 19 Pandemic Era; and (d) Waste Management in the Post-COVID 19 Pandemic Era. The former two themes seek to promote research efforts on how best Hong Kong can capitalise on the opportunities available under the National 14th Five-Year Plan and GBA development having regard to the city’s positioning supported by the Central Government in the national development blueprint. The latter two seek to encourage innovation and technologies to improve Hong Kong’s preparedness and response to public health crises and waste management challenges in the light of lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The remaining 10 themes are carried over from the past year. The are - (a) Belt and Road Initiative: Economic and Trade Co-operation Zones; (b) Big Data / Smart City; (c) Innovation and Technology / Artificial Intelligence / Re-Industrialisation; (d) Alternative Procurement Models for Major Infrastructure Projects; (e) Developing Green Finance in Hong Kong; (f) Consolidating Hong Kong’s Position as an International Logistics Hub; (g) Transitional Housing; (h) Children, Youth and Family Development; (i) Ageing Population; and (j) Manpower Supply and Development.
PICO has set out indicative research areas under the strategic themes, which are of possible interest to the Government, for applicant’s reference. Details are set out in Annex I. We would like to emphasise that applicants are free to submit proposals on any research areas (in addition to the indicative research areas) under the 14 strategic themes. However, proposals with themes falling outside the strategic themes will generally not be considered, unless with exceptional merits.
A sum ranging from $3 million to $5 million may be granted to each successful SPPR project. The duration of research projects will normally last from three to five years. Projects with a shorter duration will be considered if strong justifications are provided.
The Guidance Notes, Guidelines on Disbursement, Accounting and Monitoring Arrangements, application forms and other related documents have been updated accordingly and are available at the website of PICO (www.pico.gov.hk/en/PRFS).
Please note that the internal deadline of Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme 2021-22 is 28 July 2021.
If you would like to submit an application, please complete the attached application form with School Dean’s endorsement and the “Proposed Use of Campus Facilities” form to RO.
Note: Sufficient time must be provided to School Dean for endorsement of your application. Application without School Dean’s endorsement will not be considered.
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Date
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Item
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Remark
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28 July 2021
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Internal deadline for proposal submission
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PI submits soft copy of proposal with School Dean Endorsement and the Proposed Use of Campus Facilities Form
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13 - 18 August 2021
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Proposal Revision
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PI responds to first-tier reviewer comments
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18 August 2021
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Recommendation for submission
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RC will recommend for submission with the consideration of first-tier reviewer comments
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18 - 25 August 2021
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Further revision of proposal per RC’s and FO’s comment (if any)
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26 - 30 August 2021
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Institutional Endorsement
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31 August 2021
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Submission to Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office
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If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Research Office at 3190 6686.
Regards,
Research Office
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