Report on the "2005 Annual Survey of Innovation Activities in the Business Sector" published
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    The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) releases today (October 26) a report on the "2005 Annual Survey of Innovation Activities in the Business Sector" conducted from mid-February to early-August 2006.  The survey aims to collect information on innovation activities, including research and development (R&D), in the business sector.

     The report contains statistics on innovation activities, including R&D, in the business sector for 2005.  It also contains analyses of the various aspects of innovation activities including the impact of technological innovation (TI) on businesses, source of information for undertaking TI activities, barriers to TI; and non-TI activities such as important strategic and organisational changes.    

     Innovation activities, generally encompassing TI and non-TI activities, play an important role in a knowledge-based economy.  While R&D is one of the key forces for TI, there are other forms of innovation activities which are not directly related to technological advancement and changes but may nevertheless contribute significantly to the competitiveness and performance of a firm.

     R&D activities refer to creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, and the use of this knowledge to devise new products/services/applications or improve existing products/services/applications.

     TI activities refer to activities conducted for the purpose of (i) introducing any technologically new or substantially improved product or service; or (ii) introducing any technologically new or substantially improved process in manufacturing a product or in providing a service.  As for non-TI activities, the major types are in the areas of instituting changes in several dimensions, viz. strategy, management, organisation, marketing and aesthetic design of products.

     Users can download this survey report free of charge at the "Statistical Bookstore, Hong Kong" (www.statisticalbookstore.gov.hk) of the C&SD.  Print version of this publication is available for sale at HK$45 per issue.  Purchase can be made in person at the Publications Unit of the C&SD (Address : 19/F Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai; Tel. : 2582 3025) or through mail order by returning a completed order form which can be downloaded from the C&SD's website (www.censtatd.gov.hk/products_and_services/other_services/provision_of_stat/mail_ordering_of_publications/index.jsp).  Print version of this publication is also available for sale online at the Statistical Bookstore and the Government Bookstore of the Information Services Department (www.isd.gov.hk/eng/bookorder.htm).  Print versions if purchased online are offered a discount, at 85% of their original prices.

     Enquiries about the contents of this publication can be directed to the Science and Technology Statistics Section of the C&SD at telephone no. 2887 5560 or email address stb1@censtatd.gov.hk.

Ends/Thursday, October 26, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:00

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