EVENTS

In 2019, the State Council of the People’s Republic of China unveiled its Outline Development Plan for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). This is an ambitious blueprint to build a major global economic hub via increased integration between the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao with nine cities in mainland China’s Guangdong Province. The innovation, technology, and research agendas sit at the core of the GBA’s development focus. The region is home to globally competitive and iconic technology companies such as BYD, Tencent, DJI, and Huawei as well as five universities ranked in the world’s top 100. This discussion will examine key trends in research and development across the GBA and will address issues such as the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s university system in the wider GBA, research intensity and impact across major sectors spanning academic, government, and industry players, and how this is changing; how the GBA is conducting research linked to major areas of strategic national importance. Academic quality is measured by important indicators such as field-weighted citation impact and how this varies by research type, player, and field. The discussion will share key insights from a landmark report commissioned by the Chinese University of Hong Kong and produced in partnership with bibliometric and academic publishing powerhouse Elsevier.

About the Speaker

Laurie Pearcey is the Advisor to the President and College Master at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen). He advises the leadership on global engagement while leading a graduate college of over 1,500 students. Previously, Laurie served as Associate Vice-President at CUHK’s Hong Kong Campus, enhancing the University's reputation and outreach. He was also Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) at UNSW Sydney, and CEO of the University’s pathway provider UNSW Global Pty Ltd. Laurie has served on a range of boards, committees, and advisory groups including the Australia India Institute, Universities Australia Deputy, and Pro Vice-Chancellors International Committee, the Group of Eight Global Engagement Group and the International Subgroup of the United Kingdom’s University and College Admissions Service. Prior to higher education, Laurie was the CEO of the Australia China Business Council. He is fluent in Mandarin and has also worked in China.

About the Chair

Ravi Bhoothalingam is an Emeritus Fellow at the Institute of Chinese Studies, New Delhi, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, London, and Founder and Chairman of Manas Advisory, which focuses on top management coaching, integrating psychological science with on-ground management experience. Under the mentorship of renowned scientist and sinologist Joseph Needham, Mr. Bhoothalingam received specialised training in psycholinguistics, scientific method, and Chinese culture. Mr. Bhoothalingam has served as the President of The Oberoi Group of Hotels, the Head of Personnel Worldwide with BAT plc, London, the Managing Director of VST Industries Ltd., Hyderabad, and the Director of ITC Ltd., Kolkata. He has served as an independent director on various corporate boards, as a member of the Court of Governors of the Administrative Staff College of India, and as a moderator for the Aspen Leadership Seminars in India, organised by the Aspen Institute, Colorado, USA. He also actively participates in the China Core Group of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and has written extensively about how the application of science and psychology can enhance understanding between India and China. His research interests lie in the Chinese economy, history, and Confucianism.

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