Director of Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship (Ref. 260827012-IE)

Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office

Director of Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship (Ref. 260827012-IE)

Rooted in 90 years of heritage and intellectual achievement, 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 professionals and leaders, 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 2026 – it is ranked in the global top 30 for five subjects, is first in Hong Kong for four subjects, and is in the global top 100 for 24 subjects.  For further details about the University, please visit PolyU’s website at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/.

Reporting to the Vice President (Knowledge Transfer), the appointee will provide leadership in knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship initiatives to extend impact of innovation and research outcomes of the University to the society.

Job Functions

The appointee will be required to:

(a) lead the planning and implementation of the University’s knowledge transfer initiatives, including but not limited to IP and patent management, licensing and assignment, innovation and technology showcases, consultancy services for the benefit of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world;

(b) support the development of InnoHK Clusters, the PolyU Mainland Translational Research Institutes (MTRI), and overseas international InnoHubs in transforming frontier research into impactful ventures;

(c) lead the planning and administration of the holistic entrepreneurship framework for the University, including but not limited to fit-for-purpose funding schemes, programmes, and training to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit and competencies of students, staff, alumni and the community;

(d) support the KT Committee of Council and other committees in formulating appropriate policies and guidelines; and lead, coach, and support the staff in the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office as Director, ensuring the delivery of effective services to stakeholders; and

(e) perform any other duties as assigned by the Vice President (Knowledge Transfer) or his/her delegate(s).

Qualifications

Applicants should:

(a) have a recognised degree preferably with a postgraduate qualification or terminal professional qualifications and sound professional credentials;

(b) possess at least fifteen years of relevant experience in formulating strategies and execution of knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship development programmes and initiatives preferably in the Greater Bay Area, in which at least ten years in a senior management capacity of large and complex organisations;

(c) possess excellent industry networks and strong business development acumen;

(d) be a visionary and inspiring leader with an excellent drive for performance;

(e) have exceptional interpersonal, presentation and communication skills to effectively collaborate with different stakeholders both internally and externally; and 

(f) have an excellent command of both written and spoken English and Chinese, and fluency in Putonghua.

Conditions of Service

A highly competitive remuneration package will be offered.  Initial appointment will be on a fixed-term gratuity-bearing contract.  Re-engagement thereafter is subject to mutual agreement.

Application and Nomination

The University invites applications and nominations for this appointment.  Please submit an application through PolyU’s career website (https://jobs.polyu.edu.hk/deans_heads).  Candidature may also be recommended by nominations via email to [email protected]. Consideration of applications will commence on 15 September 2026 until the position is filled.  The University’s Personal Information Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/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/.