AECOM, the global infrastructure leader, and the GREAT Smart Cities Institute (GSCI) at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have established a Strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance multidisciplinary innovation and accelerate smart city development in Hong Kong.
A “Lab-to-Life” synergy for Hong Kong’s future
By combining HKUST GSCI’s research leadership with AECOM’s global infrastructure and digital delivery expertise, the collaboration will turn smart city concepts into real-world outcomes.
The alliance responds directly to the growing global demand for infrastructure that is not only “smart” in its design but also resilient and sustainable throughout its entire lifecycle. As Hong Kong advances the Smart City Blueprint 2.0 and Northern Metropolis development, this partnership will enhance the “lab‑to‑life” synergy — translating academic insights into industry applications that strengthen the city’s resilience and future readiness.
Five strategic pillars of collaboration
Built on a shared vision for advancing smart city ecosystems, the MoU focuses on five key areas:
- Knowledge sharing: Creating a two‑way exchange between researchers and practitioners to accelerate ideas into action
- R&D innovation: Jointly developing science‑driven and technology‑enabled solutions for urban and infrastructure challenges
- Talent development: Building pathways for the next generation of infrastructure professionals
- Scholarship support: Nurturing high‑potential students and supporting academic excellence
- Thought leadership: Partnering to inform policies and influence the evolution of resilient, sustainable urban systems
Advancing smart city innovation through strategic collaboration
The collaboration combines AECOM’s end‑to‑end capabilities to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle — spanning advisory, planning, design, engineering, and program and construction management — with HKUST GSCI’s GREAT framework (Green, Resilient, Empowering, Adaptable and Transformative). Together, AECOM and HKUST GSCI aim to establish a new model for industry-academia partnership that accelerates research into practice and delivers meaningful benefits to communities.