While some feel that "IT" has become old news, the fact is that communication and information technology permeate life and commerce in the 21^st century. Their influence on every aspect of society will continue to grow, and connectivity will be a key factor. We can expect to see large grids of computing elements cooperating across wireless networks at the heart of a new generation of applications. HKUST is in a strong position to assist Hong Kong and the region to become a leading center for these developments. It is already a world leader in the core enabling technologies—microelectronics, software, and wireless communications. Publications by HKUST researchers in the key IEEE publications in electronic devices and wireless communications have ranked the institution among the top 5 or better in the world.

Hong Kong and its region already has a large industry involved in manufacturing and R&D in microelectronics, display technology and related products, including a large sector involved in e-commerce, logistics and supply chain management, which continues to grow at a rapid pace. In pursuing its vision of Hong Kong as a leading center for the next generation of this technology, HKUST research in microelectronics and semiconductor devices will spawn novel electronic devices and stimulate the creation of products that are not restricted only to the electronics industry. Its research in key wireless communication areas will position to play a major role in the emerging wireless communication market. And HKUST's leadership in the most advanced applications supporting logistics, supply chain management and e-commerce, will support Hong Kong's role as a trading economy with the world's busiest port.