"Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) (Ref. 251030014-IE)"

The Institution

With over 85 years of rich heritage, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has evolved alongside society and made pivotal contributions to the development of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. The University pursues world-class excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer to nurture socially responsible leaders and professionals, as well as to drive impactful research and innovation. PolyU will strive to continually excel as an innovative world-class university that makes a positive impact on society, living up to the University’s motto: “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”.

Ranked among the top 100 universities globally by well-known ranking organisations such as Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Times Higher Education (THE) and U.S. News & World Report, PolyU offers a wide range of world-class educational and research programmes in seven faculties and three independent schools. PolyU has furthermore achieved commendable results in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 – it is ranked in the global top 30 for seven subjects, is first in Hong Kong for three subjects, and is in the global top 100 for 26 subjects. For further details about the University, please visit PolyU’s website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/.

The University is now inviting applications and nominations for the post of Vice President (Knowledge Transfer). Reporting to the Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), the appointee will be a member of the Central Management Team overseeing the planning and implementation of the University’s strategic agenda in knowledge transfer, technology commercialisation, entrepreneurship and engagement with the Chinese Mainland for knowledge transfer purposes, ensuring that the University’s research excellence translates into societal and economic impact as set out below.

Job Functions

The appointee will be required to:

1. lead the formulation and execution of the University’s knowledge transfer initiatives and strategies, including technology licensing, contract research, consultancy, the incubation of start-up/spin-off companies to maximise industry and social impact;
2. develop and oversee the implementation of entrepreneurship programmes that nurture innovation and support start-up ventures among staff, students and alumni;
3. cultivate a dynamic and collaborative ecosystem for knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship by establishing and strengthening strategic partnerships with leading industry, government, academic institutions and community leaders, with particular emphasis on opportunities in the Chinese Mainland and the Greater Bay Area, to facilitate impactful knowledge transfer and advance social innovation endeavours;
4. drive the University’s engagement and collaboration initiatives to strengthen the University’s presence, influence and competitiveness on a global scale; and
5. perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) or his/her delegates.

Qualifications

Applicants should:

1. have a postgraduate degree or terminal professional qualifications and sound professional credentials;
2. have demonstrated capability and a proven track record in formulating strategies and execution of knowledge transfer, technology commercialisation, entrepreneurship development, business development with solid experience acquired in a senior management capacity in large and complex organisations; preferably with exposure to the Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland contexts;
3. have extensive local and regional networks with the industry, business, government and professional sectors;
4. be a visionary and inspiring leader with an excellent drive for performance;
5. have exceptional communications, interpersonal and presentation skills to engage and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders at all levels, both regionally and internationally; and
6. have an excellent command of both written and spoken English and Chinese, with proficiency in Putonghua being a definite advantage.

Remuneration and Conditions of Service

Terms of appointment and remuneration package are negotiable and highly competitive.

Application and Nomination

Please submit applications and nominations to Director of Human Resources, 13/F, Li Ka Shing Tower, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong or via email to hr.vpkt@polyu.edu.hk. Consideration of applications and nominations will commence in mid-November 2025 until the position is filled. All applications and nominations will be treated in strict confidence. Applicants may visit http://www.polyu.edu.hk for general information about the University. The University’s Personal Information Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/hro/careers/pics_for_recruitment/.

PolyU is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering an environment that embraces diversity and demonstrates inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and experiences where all members of the University are treated with fairness, dignity and respect. To learn more about the University’s “Statement on Equal Opportunities, Diversity, and Inclusion”, please visit our website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/equal_opportunities_diversity_and_inclusion/.