Revamped think tank will drive policy innovation in Hong Kong

Carrie Lam outlines her plan to turn the Central Policy Unit into an outfit that coordinates efforts across different bureaus to serve a common goal – how to steer Hong Kong towards greater growth and development

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Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam visits the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups booth during the Book Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in July. Photo: Nora Tam

Published: 9:00am, 3 Nov 2017Updated: 7:03pm, 3 Nov 2017

Following the announcement in my policy address on October 11 of a new initiative to revamp the Central Policy Unit and turn it into a Policy Innovation and Coordination Office, the government placed adverts on October 27 to invite individuals aspiring to pursue a career in public policy to apply for jobs in the new office.

This initiative originated from a proposal in my election manifesto to provide more opportunities for young people from different backgrounds who are interested in policy research and project coordination to participate in politics. While recent public discussions seemed to focus on the participation of young people in politics, I would like to elaborate on the idea of revamping the Central Policy Unit. The unit was formally set up in April 1989 to provide the then government with a broader and longer-term perspective on major policy issues, including alternative thinking within the government. The aim was to ensure that the most senior echelon in the government would have the most comprehensive advice at hand when they made important policy decisions.

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The focus and priorities of the unit’s work have evolved over the past 30 years or so, to take account of the changing social and economic needs in society and the preference of the senior government leadership (the governor before Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, and the chief executive thereafter). The head of the unit is a position ranked at directorate pay scale point 8, and has been filled by a civil servant or a non-civil-servant at different times. The personal work styles of the different heads might also have a bearing on the characteristics of the unit.

Policy unit being put back in its place

The Chinese flag and Hong Kong SAR flag fly outside the Legislative Council building in Hong Kong. As the government has changed, the priorities and focus of the government think tank, the Central Policy Unit, have also changed. Photo: EPA-EFE

My proposal to reorganise the unit is an integral part of this government’s commitment to innovation and action. As a chief executive determined to lead Hong Kong to new heights, I am keenly aware of the immense responsibilities on my shoulders. I also appreciate that we must be forward-looking and maintain a strategic perspective in our governance. With 37 years of experience in public service, I recognise the difficulties we may encounter when introducing new ways of thinking into the government system, and the importance of having the right support in our search for breakthroughs and in coordinating efforts to achieve change.

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I am keenly aware of the immense responsibilities on my shoulders

The Central Policy Unit does not come under any policy bureau and reports directly to the chief executive. With appropriate reorganisation, it is best placed to take up this role. Moreover, with an annual funding of close to HK$120 million (including HK$30 million for public policy research), the unit should be able to make a more visible impact.