#Hong Kong #City University #Future City Index

CityUHK Unveils Future City Index 2025

On May 19, 2026, the City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) kicked off an exciting new era in urban evaluation by launching the Future City Index 2025 (FCI). This groundbreaking initiative marks the first of its kind to benchmark global cities on fundamental aspects such as education, technology, talent, and finance. By analyzing essential indicators, the FCI ranks cities globally, with Hong Kong proudly placed in the top ten of the Leading Future Cities.

Purpose and Objectives of the Future City Index

The Future City Index aims to provide insights that can guide policymakers, industry leaders, and educational institutions. By assessing 100 cities across 39 impactful indicators, the report focuses on six strategic dimensions: Talent Hub, Knowledge Production, Technological Innovation, Future-Positioning, Global Connectivity, and Urban Resilience. The insights obtained from the FCI are invaluable for determining future growth and enhancements in urban competitiveness.

Attending the launch were several prestigious figures, including Mr. Chris Sun, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Professor the Honourable Michael Ngai, the Chairman of CityUHK; and Professor Lee Chun-sing, Acting President of CityUHK. Their presence underscores the significant implications and support for this initiative by both the government and academia.

Hong Kong's Notable Achievements

According to the index, Hong Kong stands out as a leader in various categories. It has been recognized for its roles as a Talent Hub, Connection Hub, and for its impressive Resilience. These achievements reflect the city’s commitment to not only retaining but also nurturing high-caliber talent from both local and international backgrounds. The index highlights that Hong Kong attracts and fosters innovative talent exceptionally well, reinforcing its strategic value in the global innovation landscape.

In his remarks during the launch, Mr. Sun emphasized the importance of Hong Kong’s connection to the global community while being supported by the Chinese mainland. As the country embarks on its 15th Five-Year Plan, he stated that Hong Kong would further its role as a Super Connector and a key player in amplifying talent.

Meanwhile, Professor Ngai reiterated the index's powerful role in shaping strategic collaborations among stakeholders, including government bodies, industries, and educational institutions, to attract world-class talent. He views the index as a benchmark for promoting an integrated approach to development across various domains.

Impacts on Talent Development and Urban Competitiveness

One of the report's revelations was that among the global top ten cities, Hong Kong, alongside Beijing, London, New York, and Paris, scored impressively across all four pivotal categories. This indicates not just prominence but also the city’s essential role within the competitive global talent ecosystem. The index confirmed that over the last decade, Hong Kong has markedly increased the influx of talents with over 25,000 individuals entering in the last five years alone, demonstrating remarkable growth.

Moreover, the surge in top researchers in high-tech fields, including artificial intelligence and biotechnology, speaks volumes of its potential for technological advancement. The comprehensive evaluation of resources showcases Hong Kong’s ability to act as a key player between the Chinese mainland resources and international innovation.

Professor Vincent Wang, Director of the Global Talent Flow Data Hub at CityUHK, highlighted the university's commitment to nurturing tech talent. He explained that leveraging the mainland's high-end talent pool with Hong Kong's unique positioning would facilitate new opportunities for local entrepreneurs and enterprises aiming to expand internationally.

Conclusion

The Future City Index 2025 serves as a pioneering tool for urban analysis, positioning cities like Hong Kong into a new light. With its robust framework, the index promises to drive a wave of collaboration and innovation as cities worldwide look toward a more sustainable and talent-driven future. As the world embraces the complexities of urban living, such evaluations will become crucially important in steering global cities like Hong Kong towards a prosperous and resilient future.