HKUST 2020 (HKUST Strategic Plan 2005-2020) takes its name from its connotation for clear vision, and from a planning horizon that extends to the year 2020, on the eve of HKUST's 30^th anniversary. In its first fifteen years of existence, HKUST rapidly grew to become a major force on the higher education scene in Hong Kong and the world. Building on the excellence already achieved, the next fifteen years will see a transformation of HKUST to the next level of prestige and accomplishment.

A Vision for HKUST as "a leading university with significant international impact and strong local commitment" was adopted by the University Council in 2000. This establishes the intention globally, to develop HKUST as a world leader in all targeted fields of academic pursuit; nationally, to contribute to economic and social development; and locally, to play a key role, in partnership with the public, the private sector, and other academic institutions, in the development of Hong Kong as a knowledge-based society.

A university with the status of a world academic leader provides a center where the international stars of scholarship can congregate and work with outstanding students from around the world. These universities produce the intellectual breakthroughs that define academic directions and research paradigms and change the course of human endeavors; their graduates are the leaders of tomorrow.

HKUST has set itself the goal of becoming such a leading force in higher education. Through becoming a global academic leader, HKUST intends to be an agent of change, and to be a catalyst for significant progress in science and technology research and education in Hong Kong, and the Mainland.

Goals, Strategy and Plan— Building on its first 15 years of achievement, taking this decisive step forward is HKUST's strategy for the next 15 years. HKUST aspires to lead rather than follow scientific and technological trends, and to develop new thinking rather than simply follow existing business practice and policy. The strategic roadmap for realizing this goal by 2020 establishes the following milestones:

• A leading position in the world in five focused, high-impact areas
  • Nano-science and technology
  • Biological sciences and biotechnology
  • Electronics, wireless and information technology
  • Environment and sustainable development
  • Management education and research

• A new School of Innovation and Technology Management
  Building on the existing strength of our Science, Engineering, and Business Schools, the School of Innovation and Technology Management will prepare graduates to meet the emerging challenges of a knowledge-based society. The new School will break down conventional barriers to integrate the relevant disciplines and create an innovative curriculum. Graduates of the School will be innovators with the training in science and the skills required to develop concepts into technologies, and the enthusiasm and drive to create viable enterprises. They will be leaders who can maximize the competitive advantage of Hong Kong's unique position in the region, and who understand, and are alert to, the opportunities arising from the rapid technological development that will characterize the new millennium.

  This new School will be a major step toward fulfilling HKUST's agreed role "to assist the economic and social development of Hong Kong by nurturing the scientific, technological, and entrepreneurial talents who will lead the transformation of traditional industries and fuel the growth of new high-value-added industries for the region".

• Undergraduate programs that maximize students' potential
  Taking advantage of the new four-year curriculum, HKUST is committed to enriching the undergraduate experience by providing
  1. challenging programs to strengthen students' specialist training, and allow them to attain academic excellence;
  2. an international student body that enhances cultural diversity, opens horizons, and cultivates global citizenship;
  3. a campus life that encourages civic responsibility, a strong work ethic, the ability to communicate, and leadership skills.

• An Institute for Advanced Study at HKUST
  The Institute for Advanced Study at HKUST will be modeled on the internationally renowned Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton. The Institute will be dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge ranging from mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering science to social science and humanities, and will drive forward major advances and discoveries.