# Centre for Innovation in Construction and infrastructure Development, University of Hong Kong
**Wikidata**: [Q136891102](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q136891102)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/centre-for-innovation-in-construction-and-infrastructure-development-university-of-hong-kong

## Summary
The Centre for Innovation in Construction and Infrastructure Development (CICID) at the University of Hong Kong is a research institute dedicated solely to advancing knowledge in the construction industry and related fields. It is part of the Faculty of Engineering and operates independently from teaching responsibilities, allowing researchers to focus exclusively on innovation and infrastructure development.

## Key Facts
- Classified as a research institute with a primary focus on construction technology and infrastructure development
- Part of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Hong Kong
- Located in Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
- Website: [https://www.civil.hku.hk/cicid/index.html](https://www.civil.hku.hk/cicid/index.html) (English)
- Replaces the Centre for Infrastructure and Construction Industry Development (HKU)
- Parent organization: University of Hong Kong
- Fields of work: construction industry, construction technology
- Recognized as a distinct research organization in library and knowledge systems

## FAQs
### What distinguishes CICID from other research organizations?
CICID is specialized in construction and infrastructure development, unlike broader research institutes that cover all academic disciplines. It operates independently from teaching responsibilities, allowing researchers to focus exclusively on innovation in the construction sector.

### How does CICID differ from think tanks?
While think tanks focus on policy-oriented research to influence government decisions, CICID conducts fundamental scientific inquiry across all fields related to construction and infrastructure, without a policy focus.

### What makes CICID unique among research institutes?
CICID is part of the University of Hong Kong but operates as a standalone research institute, distinct from university departments or research centers. It replaces an earlier center with a similar focus, indicating a commitment to continuous innovation in the field.

## Why It Matters
CICID serves as a dedicated engine for innovation in the construction industry, free from the teaching obligations that divide university researchers' attention. By concentrating resources and talent purely on investigation, it accelerates breakthroughs in fields like construction technology and infrastructure development. Many significant advancements in the construction sector have emerged from research institutes specifically designed to tackle complex problems without distraction. In an era where innovation drives economic competitiveness and addresses global challenges, CICID represents critical infrastructure for advancing human knowledge in the construction and infrastructure domains.

## Notable For
- Dedicated exclusively to research in construction and infrastructure development
- Part of the University of Hong Kong but operates as an independent research institute
- Replaces an earlier center with a similar focus, indicating a commitment to continuous innovation
- Focuses on construction technology and infrastructure development
- Recognized as a distinct research organization in library and knowledge systems

## Body
### Classification and Identification
The Centre for Innovation in Construction and Infrastructure Development (CICID) is formally classified as a research institute. It is part of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Hong Kong and operates independently from teaching responsibilities. The center is recognized in library and knowledge systems, including the Library of Congress and the German National Library.

### Distinctions from Related Entities
CICID is specifically differentiated from similar organizations. Unlike scientific societies or learned societies, which are membership-based organizations, CICID is an operational entity conducting hands-on investigation. It differs from think tanks in its broader disciplinary scope, as think tanks focus on policy research, while CICID pursues fundamental inquiry across all fields related to construction and infrastructure. CICID is also distinct from research centers, which may be sub-units within larger organizations rather than standalone entities.

### Global Recognition
The concept of research institutes achieves broad international recognition, with Wikipedia articles in 41 languages. This extensive linguistic coverage indicates the universal applicability and recognition of the research institute as an organizational form across diverse cultural and national contexts.

### Field of Work
CICID focuses on the construction industry and construction technology. It conducts research to advance knowledge in these fields, contributing to innovation and infrastructure development. The center's work is critical in addressing the challenges and opportunities in the construction sector.

### Historical Context
CICID replaces the Centre for Infrastructure and Construction Industry Development (HKU), indicating a commitment to continuous innovation and development in the field. This replacement reflects the center's role in advancing research and knowledge in the construction and infrastructure domains.