Promoting innovative startups for sustainable development

Potential and development orientation

Binh Dinh is gradually becoming an innovation center in the central region thanks to the strong development of the startup ecosystem. In particular, the two important pillars are Quy Hoa Science Urban Area and cooperation and startup incubation programs, which play a fundamental role, comprehensively promoting local innovation, research and business activities.

Quy Hoa Science Urban Area is built with the vision of becoming the leading research center in Vietnam and the region. With an area of ​​242 hectares, it has a green ecosystem and modern design, creating ideal conditions for scientists, researchers, technology enterprises, and creative enterprises to operate and cooperate.

Binh Dinh is gradually becoming an innovation center in the central region thanks to the strong development of its startup ecosystem.

One of the important highlights of the urban area is the presence of the International Center for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE), which has organized more than 200 international scientific events with the participation of more than 16,000 scientists from more than 60 countries.

In particular, 120 international conferences with the participation of 18 Nobel Prize-winning professors, 2 Fields Medal-winning professors and hundreds of other famous scientists have affirmed the attraction and prestige of this center in the international arena. In addition, this is not only a place to organize scientific events but also a place to implement high-tech research projects, practical applications in key industries such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence and clean energy.

In addition, the TMA Innovation Park located in the science urban area is also an ideal base for startups in Binh Dinh. With a comprehensive support ecosystem, the park has been creating optimal conditions for startups to develop from the idea stage to practical implementation, meeting the challenges and opportunities in the digital economy.

There are laboratories and co-working spaces equipped with advanced technologies, creating favorable conditions for businesses to test new products and services.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hoa, Director of the Center for Scientific Discovery and Innovation, said that Binh Dinh is promoting the construction of an innovation support space to create a favorable environment for startups, especially startups from outside the province, to invest and develop projects. This is a strategic step to help the locality improve its position in the field of technology and innovation. Enterprises in the province are committed to establishing an innovation support fund, aiming to facilitate high-tech projects.

Especially projects applying IOT (Internet of Things), robots and advanced technology following global trends. A special feature of Binh Dinh compared to other provinces is the ability to directly connect with the ICISE Center, which organizes large-scale scientific conferences with the participation of the world's leading scientists. Initiatives from scientific conferences at ICISE will be supported to develop into start-up projects, utilizing resources from the innovation support fund.

Comrade Pham Anh Tuan, Chairman of Binh Dinh Provincial People's Committee, said that Binh Dinh does not only stop at building modern facilities but also focuses on creating a cooperative and connecting environment, opening up many opportunities for young start-up businesses.

The province calls for bold, creative startup projects and ideas, breakthrough solutions and will create the most favorable conditions in terms of policies, business environment, and support ecosystem. Enterprises, investors, and startups can develop sustainably in Binh Dinh, turning this place into a cradle of startups, innovation, and a trusted destination for regional and international technology enterprises.

Challenges to overcome

Startup project presented at Demo day event organized by Binh Dinh Department of Science and Technology. (Photo: LUONG TUNG)

According to the 2024 report, Vietnam has increased by 2 places, reaching 56th place on Startup Blink's global startup ecosystem index. Of which, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are in the top 200 global startup cities, Da Nang city is in the top 1,000.

According to Mr. Do Tien Thinh, Deputy Director of the National Innovation Center (NIC-Ministry of Finance), do other localities, including Binh Dinh, aim to strive to enter these positions? And what needs to be done to retain local innovative startups?

Mr. Thinh shared a story from Da Nang, where many potential startups have been incubated. However, when these startups receive foreign investment, they move to major economic areas such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to develop. “So what strengths does the locality choose to retain startups?” Mr. Thinh asked.

To solve this problem, Binh Dinh needs to focus on preferential policies, creating conditions for startups to develop sustainably and stay with the locality for a long time. Citing the success of Taiwan (China) with TSMC Group, Mr. Thinh emphasized the role of seed capital in startup development. The government needs to invest seed capital, even if it is only less than 5%, but it is enough to create trust and attract large investment funds to participate. This is a lesson that localities like Binh Dinh can learn to promote their creative startup ecosystem.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Quang, Director of VCCI Central Highlands, said that the number of newly registered enterprises in the central provinces has increased significantly. There are currently more than 120,000 enterprises operating, mainly concentrated in Da Nang, Quang Nam, Binh Dinh, Thua Thien Hue... However, this number is still much lower than that of the north and south. Enterprises in the central region are mostly small and medium, even micro-small, so their ability to withstand challenges and create momentum for growth and economic development in the region is still limited. The situation of enterprises in the central region "forever refusing to grow" is also a headache for authorities at all levels and the business community in the region. One of the weaknesses that is often mentioned is that the central provinces do not have close links in economic development, leading to ineffective competition and dispersion of resources, failing to take advantage of the potential and available advantages of the locality.

Bright spots from policy

It can be seen that the government and businesses have never felt the heat of innovation as they do now. Resolution No. 57 of the Politburo (December 22, 2024) and Resolution No. 193 of the National Assembly (February 19, 2025) have been creating a solid policy foundation to support startup development, creating favorable conditions for startups to access resources, from seed capital to larger investment funds.

Ms. Dinh Thi Thuy, Vice President of MISA Group Joint Stock Company, said that innovation is the leading factor driving the development of provinces and cities in general and Binh Dinh in particular. In recent years, we have focused on developing platforms to support small and micro enterprises to overcome difficulties, especially financial and tax issues. Business owners in Binh Dinh can completely use accounting services from experts in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, through our connection platform.

In particular, businesses that apply modern technology solutions also have the opportunity to access unsecured loans without collateral. “The current technology era is the era of artificial intelligence (AI). In which, businesses that know how to utilize AI will have a superior competitive advantage. We believe that AI does not replace humans, but those who know how to use AI will replace those who do not use it. Therefore, business owners need to apply AI technology to management and operations to create breakthroughs. This is the way to take businesses to a new level,” Ms. Thuy commented.

Dr. Dinh Viet Hoa, Chairman of the National Startup Association, said that the entrepreneurial spirit has gone beyond the limits of a trend to become a driving force for life. From bustling streets to peaceful countrysides, people of all ages are looking for opportunities and building their own entrepreneurial journeys. We not only want successful business individuals but also aspire to build a community of entrepreneurs who create jobs for society and contribute to the development of the country. President Ho Chi Minh once wanted to bring Vietnam to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world powers. Now, we can realize that aspiration through the creativity and efforts of entrepreneurs who are creating new values ​​every day.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/thuc-day-khoi-nghiep-sang-tao-de-phat-trien-ben-vung-post870415.html