The Census and Statistics Department announced today (February 22) the commencement of the Survey of Innovation Activities for the reference year of 2018. The survey aims to collect information on innovation activities in the business sector. The survey results are useful to both the Government and the private sector in formulating policies and making decisions.

     About 6 000 establishments in various economic sectors are sampled to participate in the survey. Questionnaires have been sent to sampled establishments individually together with the notification letters. To assist these establishments in providing the required information, an electronic template of the questionnaire will also be available upon request.

     The statistical survey is a mandatory one conducted under Part III of the Census and Statistics Ordinance (Chapter 316). According to section 13(1) of the Ordinance, any person to whom a questionnaire relating to a statistical survey is delivered shall complete the questionnaire or cause it to be completed by other persons to the best of his/her knowledge and belief, and in the manner specified in the questionnaire, and then return the questionnaire on or before the date specified in the questionnaire. The Ordinance also stipulates that all collected information which may enable identification of individual establishments should be kept in strict confidence. Only aggregate information, which does not reveal details of individual establishments, will be released.

     The Department would like to thank those establishments which had participated in previous rounds of the survey; and appeal for the support and co-operation of the management of all sampled establishments in the current survey round by returning the completed questionnaires to the Department on or before April 30, 2019.

     If necessary, census officers of the Department may phone or visit individual establishments to offer assistance in completing the questionnaire. These officers will each carry an Enumerator Identity Card and a certificate for conducting the survey, which are available for inspection.

     Enquiries regarding the survey may be directed to the Science and Technology Statistics Section of the Department (Tel: 3903 7316 or email: sia@censtatd.gov.hk).

Ends/Friday, February 22, 2019
Issued at HKT 16:30

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