Creativity is the bedrock of innovation, and as outlined by UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, creative thinking drives sustainable development and community well being. Innovation is the prescription for growth in the 21st century - an idea that has been firmly embraced in Hong Kong over the past 20 years and which has helped establish its position as an undisputed creative hub of Asia.

In 2015, the value added of cultural and creative industries stood at about HK$109 billion (US$14 billion), about 4.7% of Hong Kong’s Gross Domestic Product. Thanks to an integrated approach by various government agencies, creative industries in Hong Kong have been given a platform to flourish. This did not happen overnight, however. The founding research and direction for this began in 2004 when the HKSAR Government made a concerted effort to shape policy, with the aim of ensuring creativity became a vital part of Hong Kong’s cultural fabric.