Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou Innovation Cluster in China maintains global lead
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 September 2026 - The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) released its Global Innovation Index (GII) 2026 on September 8, revealing that the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou metropolitan cluster, located in Southern China, has once again secured the top position among the world's 100 leading innovation clusters. This marks another triumph for the…
The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster in Southern China secured the top spot in the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) Global Innovation Index (GII) 2026 rankings, released on September 8. The GII assessment, which evaluates innovation activity using international patent filings, scientific publications, and venture capital deals, showed the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster filing 2,259 PCT applications, publishing 4,060 scientific articles, and having 138 venture capital deals per 1 million inhabitants over the past five years.
This achievement solidifies the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a global leader in scientific advancement and technological entrepreneurship. Hong Kong's government emphasized that the ranking reaffirms the region's exceptional innovation capacity and the innovation and technology (I&T)-supporting financing ecosystem.
The HKSAR has implemented policies like the original grant patent system and patent box regime, offering tax concessions for intellectual property income to foster innovation. Between 2015 and 2025, the number of start-ups in Hong Kong increased from over 1,500 to more than 5,200, while two key I&T hubs, Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport, have nurtured around 20 unicorns.
The official opening of the Loop Hong Kong Park in December 2025 is expected to further enhance the GBA's innovation landscape with over 100 technology enterprises and institutions set to relocate there. Hong Kong's financial sector also plays a crucial role in its innovation success, with a private equity market boasting assets under management nearing US$250 billion, ranking second in Asia after the Chinese Mainland.
Looking ahead, Hong Kong plans to align its strategy with the National 15th Five-Year Plan to strengthen its position as an international I&T center and deepen collaboration with GBA sister cities to support the nation's modern industrial system and high-level scientific and technological self-reliance.
Written by urgent.news from Arabian Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
