Hong Kong establishes Digital Policy Office

The Digital Policy Office was officially established on Thursday to promote data-driven, people-centric and outcome-based digital policies within the Government and across various sectors for enhancing the SAR government's efficiency and services.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Sun Dong, said the office will promote the implementation of digital policies based on innovative technology and data, and make every effort to steer the SAR in leveraging innovative technology to enhance public services as well as putting in place more digital government initiatives that will bring convenience to the public and benefit the business sector to meet the ever-changing needs and public expectations in the digital era.

The office, established under the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and led by the Commissioner for Digital Policy, comprises a Digital Government Branch, a Data Governance Branch and a Digital Infrastructure Branch.

The three branches are respectively tasked to formulate related policies and initiatives, spearhead the development of digital government and promote the application of advanced information technology by government departments in rolling out innovative public services. 

Through the implementation of data governance policies, the office will promote the opening up and sharing of data, as well as data analytics and applications. It will also make efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure and security, promote industry development and deepen co-operation with the Mainland, including putting in place measures that facilitate cross-boundary data flow and the Cross-boundary Public Services initiative.