The Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) and the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have co-authored the Policy Paper on University-Industry Collaboration for Chinese Medicine (CM) Innovation in the Greater Bay Area.

The paper outlines recommendations to policymakers for capitalising on the opportunities arising from the dynamic consumer market and talent pool in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) with the aim of fostering the development and innovation in the traditional Chinese Medicine (CM) industry.

The establishment of a central research platform, comprising an Evidence-based Chinese Medicine Research Centre in partnership with the Schools of Chinese Medicine in three local universities as well as CM hospitals nationwide, and an International Dietary Supplement and Botanical Drug Research Centre, is encouraged in order to promote mental and physical wellness and validation of CM's efficacy and safety.

The HKSAR Government is urged to support the adoption of new technology, such as sensors, the internet-of-things and artificial intelligence in CM diagnosis, treatment and monitoring, in order to address an anticipated clinical staff shortage and future therapeutic demands.

To bridge the needs of different sectors leveraging technology advancement, the HKSAR Government is encouraged to establish a three-way trading and cross-border cooperative blockchain platform for electronic contracting, circulation and traceability procedures in CM projects.

Also, to facilitate the export of the high-quality Lingnan CM brand to international markets, it is recommended to accelerate the approval and mutual certification mechanisms of Chinese proprietary medicine among GBA cities.