Six potential industries: a study of competitiveness policy in Hong Kong

Abstract

Since late 1990s, the four pillars industries of Hong Kong, i.e. financial services, trading and logistics, tourism and producer and professional services, have been shrinking. The Task Force on Economic Challenges established and chaired by the Chief Executive in 2009 proposed to develop the Six Potential Industries viz testing and certification, medical services, innovation and technology, cultural and creative industries, environmental industry and education services, so as to enhance the competitiveness of the city. The main focus of this dissertation is to study the policy making process of the competitiveness policy in Hong Kong. By applying different policy making theories, we will know what is the social problem and how the “competitiveness of Hong Kong” be considered as a social problem. Then we will need to know how this social problem get onto the social agenda, government agenda and so as to the policy agenda. The next step is formulating solutions among many different alternatives. We will get to know what factors are affecting the selection of alternatives and how to come up with solutions. In taking forward these solutions, we are particularly interested in the selection of institutional means for policy implementation in the case of the “Six Potential Industries”. This dissertation contributes to a better understanding of policymaking process for the competitiveness policy in Hong Kong and the labyrinthine interactions among the political actors.