HKUST IEMS x EY: Emerging Market Insights Series – “Data Governance in Smart Cities in the Greater Bay Area: Opportunities and Challenges” Exploring the Importance of Data-Driven Innovation and Smart City Governance
Hong Kong, March 17- The HKUST Institute for Emerging Market Studies (IEMS) and EY hosted a business talk titled "Data Governance in Smart Cities in the Greater Bay Area: Opportunities and Challenges” on February 27, 2025. The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and academics to explore the critical role of data in shaping smart cities. Leading experts discussed the intersection of data science, technology, and urban governance, fostering innovative solutions for smart city development, with valuable experts sharing valuable insights into data governance, the importance of cross-border data flows, and strategies for enhancing urban resilience and sustainability.
In the first presenter, Professor Masaru Yarime, Faculty Associate of HKUST Institute for Emerging Market Studies, Associate Professor in the Department of Public Policy, and Director of the Laboratory for AI Ethics and Governance, shared insights on the fundamental principles of data-driven innovation, practical applications of smart city governance, and innovative methods of data governance. He emphasized the importance of integrating data science with specific domains, highlighting the Greater Bay Area's advancements in digital technology and the digital economy. With the further strengthening of cross-border data flows, the future of building smart city clusters looks promising. He also shared with us a comparative analysis of smart cities policy development in Hong Kong and London.
Ir. Allen Yeung, Founder and CEO, Intelli Global Corporation; President, Greater Bay Area International Information Technology Industry Association, stated that the aggregation of data can further promote the concentration of talent and capital, thereby forming a data-driven ecosystem that empowers various sectors. He outlined three key steps for Hong Kong to establish an international data center: developing data flow policies, building a data industry alliance, and promoting international data transactions. Yang also noted the importance of enhancing connectivity within the Greater Bay Area to facilitate collaboration between mainland China and global markets, thus accelerating the concentration of resources and fully unlocking the value of data.
Mr. Adam Au, Treasurer of the Big Data Governance Association, remarked that smart cities should not solely focus on the application of advanced technologies. Instead, they must comprehensively consider urban characteristics, the challenges and issues faced today, as well as the digital literacy and acceptance of urban residents. He emphasized that data governance needs to balance benefits and risks, and that regulatory frameworks must evolve with technological advancements. This approach will ensure effective data privacy protection while creating a smarter and more convenient living environment for city residents.
As cities continue to evolve in the digital age, the insights shared during this event will play a crucial role in guiding future policies and initiatives. The collaboration between IEMS and EY marks a significant step toward building smarter, more connected urban environments. Looking ahead, the focus will remain on fostering innovation and collaboration to ensure that data-driven solutions effectively address the challenges faced by modern cities.
We thank the EY, for their support in hosting this conference.
Photo captions
1. HKUST and EY organized a policy and business talk on the topic of “Data Governance in Smart Cities in the Greater Bay Area: Opportunities and Challenges.”
2. Professor Masaru Yarime presented findings on the fundamental principles of data-driven innovation and practical applications in smart city governance, emphasizing the advancements in the Greater Bay Area's digital economy.
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