A recent industry survey has found that a significant majority of professionals in Hong Kong's technology and innovation sector hold a positive outlook for the industry's overall future.

According to the findings, sixty percent of respondents expressed either optimistic or very optimistic sentiments about the sector's prospects.

Furthermore, half of those surveyed indicated plans to increase IT expenditures this year.

Regarding collaboration with the Greater Bay Area, a substantial 68.3% of participants believe such cooperation will positively impact the development of Hong Kong's tech and innovation industry.

The survey also identified the top five technology trends expected to have the most significant influence on Hong Kong by 2026.

These trends are, in order: Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI / AI Agents), Cybersecurity and Quantum-Safe Technology, Digital Platforms and Intelligent Automation, Data & Analytics / Data Governance, and Cloud & Edge Computing.

When it comes to IT investment and digital transformation, the most prominent challenges cited were talent shortages, unclear return on investment for businesses, and budget constraints.

The survey was conducted in the first quarter of this year, with questionnaires distributed to a council of Chief Information Officers and corporate members.

Responses were successfully collected from 41 organizations, including numerous major public and private sector entities in Hong Kong.

Of the responding organizations, 85.37% employ over 500 staff, with more than 60% of companies having workforces exceeding 2,000 employees.

In terms of the respondents' roles, 48.78% held positions such as Chief Information Officer, IT Director, or Head of IT.

An additional 12.20% were Chief Information Security Officers, and another 12.20% were Senior IT Managers.

The survey encompassed a wide range of Hong Kong's key industries.