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enterprises to set up regional headquarters or research centres in Recommendation 2 Establishing all-stage
the Loop; moreover, the National Development and Reform ancillary facilities to optimise biotech research
Commission can launch a Shenzhen-Hong Kong Biotechnology and development supply chain
Collaborative Development Fund that pools together funds from
the governments of the Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong SAR Collaborative planning by the two governments is indispensable to
and the Shenzhen Municipality. Along with the Hong Kong Growth the development of biotech in the Loop. While Shenzhen has
Portfolio previously established by the Government of the established a Science and Technology Innovation Commission to
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the Hong Kong SAR coordinate planning and manage funding matters, the Hong Kong
Government; or the Hong Kong government), part of the proposed government has yet to put in place a designated body to advise on
Fund shall be invested in promising biotech enterprises in the Loop long-term scientific development and to promulgate a blueprint for
to facilitate their development into unicorns in the medium term. biotech development, which makes it difficult to discuss the
planning of the Loop with Shenzhen. Drawing reference from
We further recommend the joint establishment of a cross-border economies like the US and Singapore, we recommend that the
biotech mega research institute in the Loop by the University of Hong Kong government set up a Science and Development Office
Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to provide forward-looking scientific advice on biotechnology,
and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, together with Shenzhen formulate a blueprint for the development of the biotech industry,
institutions like the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, optimise the government’s funding mechanism for research and
the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Southern University of development (R&D) activities, formulate a funding allocation
Science and Technology, with the cooperation of existing strategy that aligns with the blueprint, and establish a peer review
platforms and facilities in the GBA. The sharing of substantial mechanism.
funding and advanced facilities will foster interdisciplinary and
cross-institutional collaboration. In the long-term, not only will this The Loop also provides an opportune moment for optimising
attract international talent, but also provide a comprehensive ancillary facilities in support of the R&D process. For the preclinical
career path for the local workforce, as well as further attract research stage, the two governments should establish Good
foreign enterprises by providing advanced research support to Laboratory Practice (GLP) laboratories, in particular large-scale
biotech enterprises. The institute will observe three principles: animal laboratories. For phase 1 clinical trials, we suggest that the
leverage cutting-edge research opportunities to better appeal to approval process be expedited in Hong Kong to fully realise the
world-class talent; resolve regional problems and increase the city’s edge in clinical trials. Phases 2 and 3 trials are to be
uniqueness of scientific research; and operate independently from conducted with a multicentre approach. We recommend that
universities to expedite the progress of advanced research. HK-SZ cross-border multicentre clinical trials be coordinated in the
Loop. Hong Kong’s internationalised clinical trial management and

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