HK unveils Digital Policy Office to promote data-driven policies

Hong Kong has unveiled a new Digital Policy Office (DPO) to promote data-driven, people-centric and outcome-based digital policies within the government and across various sectors.

Established under the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB), the launch aims to enhance the Government's efficiency and services, to bring greater benefits to citizens and business sectors through digital government and smart city development.

The DPO, 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 bureaux/departments (B/Ds) in rolling out innovative public services.

Through the implementation of data governance policies, the DPO will promote the opening up and sharing of data, as well as data analytics and applications.

The DPO 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 flows and the cross-boundary public services initiative.

Secretary for innovation, technology and industry Sun Dong, said: "Digitalisation is conducive to social and economic development, as well as to the enhancement of the Government's operational efficiency and innovation of public services. Digital technology and data are also important elements in driving high-quality development and new quality productive forces.”

“The DPO will promote the implementation of digital policies based on innovative technology and data, and make every effort to steer B/Ds 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,” Sun added.

The launch of the office is one of the new initiatives announced in "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address". The new office aims to accelerate the development of digital government by merging the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) with the Efficiency Office (EffO).

The establishment of the DPO involves reorganisation and integration of resources between the OGCIO and the EffO under the ITIB. Relevant proposals were approved by the Legislative Council in mid-2024.

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