Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu recently addressed the Global University Presidents and Leaders Summit, outlining the city's strategy to bolster its academic standing through the Northern Metropolis development. The project aims to create dedicated university towns designed to draw top-tier talent from around the world. According to Lee, the government is actively seeking to invite international academic institutions to establish basic research institutes and shared research facilities within these zones.

Lee emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate Hong Kong into the global research landscape. He noted that several overseas institutions have already expressed interest in the project. These potential partners have reportedly requested specific incentives to facilitate their entry into the region and the formation of collaborative research partnerships. While the government has signaled its intent to provide support for these ventures, the specific financial or regulatory incentives remain under discussion as the project moves toward its implementation phase. The initiative reflects the administration's goal of transforming the Northern Metropolis into a center for innovation and high-level academic exchange.