Five specialist technology industries
The development of innovation and technology has witnessed dramatic and frequent changes. The technology and applications of artificial intelligence (AI), for example, represent a huge leap when compared to a decade ago. ChatGPT, the AI chatbot that takes the world by storm, not only illustrates the transformation of AI, but also redefines our perceptions of AI.
Unlike traditional industries, the high-tech sector is constantly evolving and redefining itself. A few years ago, high technology or the so-called new economy was associated with AI, big data, blockchain, streaming, sharing and cloud. While these themes are still representing high-tech, they have taken on completely new forms and technologies.
Every era has its own set of high technologies. According to the new listing regime dedicated to Specialist Technology Companies in Hong Kong implemented in March 2023, next-generation information technology, advanced hardware and software, advanced materials, new energy and environmental protection, and new food and agriculture technologies are defined as Specialist Technology Industries. The list of relevant industries and acceptable sectors is not exhaustive and will be updated from time to time but it still gives us a good understanding of today's high technology.
- Next-generation information technology: Software, platforms and infrastructure solutions powered by cloud computing and big data analysis.
- Advanced hardware and software: Development of new hardware and software using advanced technologies.
- Advanced materials: Production or integration of new or significantly improved materials to enhance the performance of traditional materials.
- New energy and environmental protection: Production of energy from natural sources, development of networks and infrastructure to support such production, as well as other processes for improving environmental sustainability and resource use and/or energy efficiency.
- New food and agriculture technologies: Food and agriculture technologies applied to agriculture, farming and food processing activities.
