Beyond arts and design: Embracing creativity in research and knowledge transfer

More than just a transmission of knowledge

“Knowledge transfer” (KT) is one of PolyU’s core values. The University takes pride in bettering mankind by transforming discoveries and scientific achievements into practical solutions and societal advancements. “Via KT, research findings at PolyU are patented and licensed for new goods and processes that can be adopted by the commercial sector. Commercialisation helps businesses and industries enhance their products and operational performance,” explained Prof. Li. Essentially, KT entails the transfer of expertise, knowledge, skills and capabilities from one knowledge base (e.g., the university) to another (e.g., industry).

There has been much misunderstanding as to the kind of knowledge being transferred. The concept of “knowledge transfer” closely resembles the notion of “resource sharing”. “It is much more than just the sharing of subject knowledge like information and data; it also involves other resources like talents, tools, tasks and interpersonal networks,” said Prof. Li. “The complexity of KT therefore demands a range of programmes, including collaborative research, publishing and licensing research results, starting new businesses and developing talents, to support successful transfer. It also calls for public engagement initiatives like events, publications and community activities that ensure public access to the outputs generated by KT,” said Prof. Li.

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts

The direction of transfer is not one-way. Knowledge transfer emphasises reciprocal collaboration between academia and industry such that each complements the other’s strengths. “Most often, academics approach innovation as a ‘goal’, while industrialists approach it as the ‘means’ to business growth,” Prof. Li explained. “The former run the risk of having their research outputs marginalised and disregarded, since their forefront knowledge receives little understanding from non-academics. Meanwhile, the latter run the risk of being too conservative about rolling out new products and upgrading their business technologies, since they need to balance other concerns (e.g., cost, consumer response) within a competitive market.”

The intrinsic benefits that KT brings are not confined to the two sectors only. Commercialisation and industrial upgrades are made possible by cutting-edge technologies and innovation stemming from university-industry collaboration, and the wider community enjoys the benefits associated with these outcomes. “KT is really about deepening the relationships among academia, industry and society. It can be used to bring forth new solutions that address various societal and environmental needs,” said Prof. Li.

Fostering KT excellence in higher education

PolyU is pursuing KT ambitiously with its multi-pronged development, creating an innovative and entrepreneurial atmosphere at the University. “Here at PolyU, collaborative platforms have been built to foster the University’s engagement with other universities and businesses (e.g., Alibaba, Huawei, China Aerospace International Holdings Limited) in various specialised fields (such as big data, advanced computing, and aerospace engineering). To promote commercialisation, the University patents its technologies, encourages licensing, and participates in consulting initiatives. PolyU also provides a wide range of activities and resources, such as seed financing, mentorship, training, and incubation tools, to foster entrepreneurship among students, faculty members, alumni, and the general public,” Prof. Li explained. The University achieved remarkable KT results in 2020/21, with 344 consultancy projects, 23 partnerships, 380 supported start-ups, and HK$800M+ in funding and investment. To date, the University has accumulated 1,083 patents.

Successful knowledge transfer is built upon many factors, but good rapport within and between organisations is of utmost importance. “Trust and communication within the university community and between the university and industry are crucial. If the goals and culture of the university and industrial partners are not aligned towards KT, this hinders academic engagements. Also, it is important to achieve mutual understanding and align expectations as to the problem that both parties want to address, and the barriers they encounter during the process,” Prof. Li explained. “Other factors such as motivation, capacity, resources, experience, and methodologies also affect how effectively knowledge is transferred.”

Promoting cross-sectoral dialogue, talent empowerment and public participation for interdisciplinary success

Staying true to the University’s core values for KT, PAIR endeavours to promote the transfer of its interdisciplinary, practical research solutions so that they can be readily adopted by community stakeholders and applied to real-world problems, such as climate change, the energy crisis and population aging. Prof. Li has been leading and contributing to several major KT-related initiatives. One of these is the brand-new “PAIR SALON” series, which just started in 2023.

“PAIR SALON is an exchange platform comprising a series of events that promote industry cooperation and streamline the transfer of knowledge. We had the very first session in February 2023. The participants were top management of the China Resources Group and PAIR scholars who shared the progress of their research on liquid cell conversion, wearable energy harvesters, denim dyeing and 3D printed insoles for foot support, and so on,” Prof. Li recalled. “In research, networking and partnerships are really about establishing and nurturing long-term and mutually beneficial relationships with industry and professional organisations. These efforts are important for achieving effective KT and attracting new collaboration and sponsorship opportunities,” Prof. Li continued.

Knowledge transfer recognises the value of collaboration for positive growth. KT activities are not confined to scholars and industrial partners, but also involve the wider university community. Prof. Li has been actively engaging PolyU talents in the Academy’s external marketing activities. “The mementos of the PAIR Conference held in May 2023 were created by our design students. This opportunity develops students. It empowers their strengths, enriches their practical work experience, and fosters their ability to work independently,” said Prof. Li.

Another major item on PAIR’s KT development agenda is to increase public participation. “Interaction with the general public enables academics and businesses to understand society’s demands and needs so that they can produce ‘user-centred’ and ‘socially responsible’ solutions (e.g., products, technologies, services),” Prof. Li explained. “These outputs can increase public trust in the importance of research and innovation, and drive new support and policies for innovation development.”

Pursuing interdisciplinarity for a sustainable textile industry

“Fashion and textiles” is an interdisciplinary field involving disciplines such as design, engineering, craftsmanship, manufacturing and sustainability. Prof. Li has been actively undertaking research projects on textile technologies that enable the economical and eco-friendly manufacturing of novel fabrics. She is currently a member of two PAIR constituent units, namely, the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR), where she focuses on IWEAR System Applications, and the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), where she focuses on Sports Product Design, Materials and Manufacturing and Sports Measurement, Feedback and Instrumentation. She has been awarded several large interdisciplinary projects funded by The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) recently. The projects involve collaboration with industries and organisations in Hong Kong and mainland China, and bring new textile technologies with high potential for commercialisation and mass production.

“The project Textile Cycling Creative Economy: Sustainable Design of an Innovative Nonwoven-Yarn Spinning System will build a new spinning system that enables the production of yarns without restrictions to fibre length or raw material, avoids the breakage of ultra-short fibres in the traditional yarn spinning method, and converts recycled textile waste into yarn,” Prof. Li said. She described the new technology as a “win-win solution for the industry and green community”. The invention will better utilise fibres and produce functional textiles with acceptable comfort and appearance in an easy-to-implement and cost-effective manner. The spinning technology will also open up new avenues for applications in healthcare and many more fields.

“In another project, Design-thinking Creation of a Swelling-controllable Composite Tubular Fabric for Regenerative Agriculture, a new technology will be developed to produce a swelling-controllable composite tubular fabric with irrigation and weeding capabilities for regenerative agriculture. The new fabric is made from natural fibres with no chemical coating or finishing. The novel tubular fabric will be used as a tool for irrigation and weeding in a way that enables high water-saving efficiency and strong terrain adaptability. Hence, it supports sustainability,” said Prof. Li. 

Prof. Li will explore the application of this technology in a new project that aims to improve bio-functional chitosan-based textiles. The textiles will be used in the development of an antibacterial, comfortable, and convenient rehabilitation training device for elderly patients.

Injecting creativity into societal development

Prof. Li’s high value for creativity and her determination to break the status quo have driven her relentless efforts in research. Over the years, she has worked on 70 projects worth more than HK$100 million in total, published over 100 research articles and 27 patents, and received 38 international awards. She won the Golden Award for two consecutive years in the 46^th and 47^th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions.

To Prof. Li, creativity is something that can be applied not only in the field of fashion and textiles, but also in societal development. She sees both ample potentials and challenges in Hong Kong’s innovation development. “There have been major projects and financing schemes for artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, fintech, smart city development, etc., in recent years, as well as research units and start-up incubators that help turn ideas into businesses,” she explained. “The shortage of resources and expertise in certain sectors like AI, the relatively small local market, as well as the region’s high cost of living, mean that start-ups may struggle to maintain their business during the early stages; they need to focus on innovations that address global and regional demands.”

Still, staying creative—using resources creatively, collaborating creatively, embracing creativity—brings solutions. “Enterprises can collaborate with other regions, like cites in the Greater Bay Area, and leverage the expertise and resources there. This enhances local businesses’ capacity to compete and succeed. Of course, we also need more engagement with the public and private sectors, so that society at large can better embrace a creative culture,” said Prof. Li.

A designer-turned-professor

Prior to joining PolyU in 2010, Prof. Li was a senior designer and designer director, and a sudden awakening to her true value spurred her to take a different route. “I encountered a bottleneck, continually asking myself what creativity is and how to be more creative and contribute to society. I then returned to university for doctorate study, during which I realised that research is for the future and that a single individual’s strength is limited,” Prof. Li reflected. At PolyU, Prof. Li is able to contribute her expertise in collaborative projects that solve societal problems, towards a more sustainable future.

Prof. Li’s professorial career, in which she can integrate and apply knowledge, skills and experience to better the lives of others, has been challenging and rewarding. “Research and teaching allow me to use my skills and expertise to inspire students and explore new ideas, theories and technologies,” said Prof. Li. “My experience in the industry gives me practical knowledge of industry trends, practices and technologies that can be applied in my research and teaching. My network with the industry is helpful for exploring new collaboration opportunities, funding, expertise, and resources. This helps my own research but also my students. They can enjoy wider opportunities for internships, mentorships and employment,” Prof. Li continued.

The active textile scientist-educator is also committed to giving back to society. Prof. Li holds important positions in a number of professional bodies. She serves as the Director of The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, a Specialist Member of the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications, and a Design Admission Panel Member and Mentor for the Hong Kong Design Centre’s Design Incubation Programme in the HKSAR CreateSmart Initiative.

“I am motivated to contribute more to society with my hard work. Therefore, I am actively involved in various roles and services in academia, industry and society at large,” Prof. Li reflected. “I hope my efforts will also inspire my students to do something more for the world around them.”