The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has established a research centre to study how technological innovations like robots and artificial intelligence are creating disruptive changes to the business world and ecosystem.

Speaking to RTHK after the centre's launch ceremony on Friday, its director, Professor Hui Kai-lung, said it hopes the research can provide guidance for future developments in the business sector.

The centre, he said, has been finalising partnership agreements with a couple of SAR and mainland firms to take part in a study.

“Most likely, the centre is going to start its work by looking at digital platforms and the robotic industry and hardware,” he said.

“If you look at digital platforms, for example, everybody used to think that they are only changing the way how retails were done.

"But in fact, if you look at even education, charity, philanthropy or entertainment these days, they are significantly affected by these platforms."

On a separate note, Hui, who's also the acting dean of the business and management school, said the school is actively helping the university in its promotional efforts with regards to student admissions and that extends to prospective students of Harvard University.

“We aren't necessarily looking at just Harvard," he said.

"If there were talents who are facing difficulties in pursuing their studies, I think it is our duty to provide them with the necessary environment to pursue what they wanted to develop and also to study.”

HKUST was the first Hong Kong tertiary institution to openly invite international students from Harvard to continue their studies with it after the Trump administration revoked the Ivy League school’s certification to enrol foreign students

A US district judge has issued a temporary order to block the move.