The Google Hong Kong “Smarter Digital City Whitepaper” unearthing the status of the city’s digitization with an analysis of four key business verticals – Retail, Travel, Finance and Living. Conducted by Nielsen, the research revealed digital disparities between perception and practice, among consumers and corporates.

The publication identifies opportunities to accelerate the city’s digitization, in an attempt to join hands with the public to shape a smarter digital city, and outlines key recommendations for corporates and policymakers to shape the digital future of Hong Kong.

Leonie Valentine, Managing Director, Sales and Operations, Google Hong Kong, said:

“Our ‘Smarter Digital City Whitepaper’ identifies some of the most pressing issues holding back Hong Kong’s digitization, while also exploring the city’s areas of opportunity. At Google, we’re committed to accelerating the digitization of Hong Kong through talent development, supporting businesses and government to succeed online, and helping Hongkongers maximize their digital engagement. With the help of our partners, and a thriving digital ecosystem, we can give the city’s digital economy a major boost.”

Angel Young, Managing Director Nielsen Hong Kong and Macau, said:

“Corporates in Hong Kong recognize the importance of digital transformation, however we see that there is disparity between their recognition and their investment in execution of high digital quality campaigns. 95% of companies see digital as critical to their business success, but only 52% are gradually embracing the latest technology to meet business and customer needs. There are huge opportunities for businesses to bridge that gap by investing in relevant technology and digital talent.”

The Smarter Digital City Whitepaper examined consumers’ digital engagement in four of Hong Kong’s key business verticals – Retail, Travel, Finance, and Living – which collectively contribute almost half of Hong Kong’s GDP.