Building the pillars of the national innovation system

Recently, the Center for Knowledge Transfer and Startup Support (Vietnam National University, Hanoi - VNU) organized the National Innovation Forum 2023 with the theme "Building pillars for the national innovation system". The discussion attracted the participation of more than 400 experts, scientists, policy makers and entrepreneurs.

Xây dựng trụ cột cho hệ thống đổi mới sáng tạo quốc gia

Director of the Center for Knowledge Transfer and Startup Support of VNU Truong Ngoc Kiem delivered the opening speech at the Forum. (Source: VNU)

Speaking at the opening of the Forum, Director of the Center for Knowledge Transfer and Startup Support of VNU, Truong Ngoc Kiem, said that the National Innovation Forum (IRF) was organized to connect scientists, experts, policy makers and the business community interested in Science and Technology (S&T) and IRF nationwide.

The National Innovation Forum is held annually to provide an overview of the current situation of innovation in our country; analyze achievements, limitations, draw lessons and seek effective solutions to develop the innovation system in Vietnam; create a space to enhance connectivity between components of the innovation ecosystem.

At the same time, raise awareness and promote the spirit of innovation to spread, become an inspiration for all people, turn creativity into an unlimited resource, bring the country to sustainable development so that innovation truly becomes a new growth engine, making Vietnam a prosperous country by 2045.

According to VNU Vice President Pham Bao Son, the science and technology development strategy for the 2021-2030 period affirms that science and technology development together with education and training is the top national policy, a key driving force for the country's rapid and sustainable development.

Science and technology must play a leading role in creating a breakthrough in the development of productive forces, innovating the growth model, enhancing the competitiveness of the economy, and accelerating the process of industrialization and modernization of the country.

According to VNU Vice President Pham Bao Son, science and technology must play a leading role in creating a breakthrough in the development of productive forces, innovating the growth model, and improving the competitiveness of the economy... (Source: VNU)

"To fulfill national responsibilities, with the position of a high-quality, high-level, multi-disciplinary, multi-field, training and scientific research center, leading the country, on par with the region, playing a leading and core role in the Vietnamese higher education system, VNU always considers science, technology and innovation activities as the foundation and driving force for the development of VNU, this is also affirmed in the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy of VNU for the period 2021 - 2030.

Science, technology and innovation activities are widely deployed in all member universities, research institutes and centers to create cutting-edge products with high applicability, meeting the high demands of society.

VNU possesses the highest quality human resources in science, technology and innovation in Vietnam with 2,634 scientists, 34 research groups, 210 laboratories and 1,610 science and technology products. VNU's faculty, scientists and students have many ideas and science and technology products that can solve social problems, have applicability, transferability and commercialization potential," Deputy Director Pham Bao Son informed.

However, Mr. Son admitted that in reality, there is still a gap between the trained human resources and the market, a part of lecturers lack the motivation to innovate, the connection between universities and businesses is not yet sustainable, not commensurate with the potential and strengths of VNU as well as the actual needs of businesses.

At the Forum, many experts discussed and shared policies between institutes, schools and businesses to promote innovative science and technology products associated with practical social needs, in order to promote the country's economic development.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Dac Hung - Faculty of Economics, Hung Yen University of Technical Education, in the current 4.0 Industrial Revolution, start-up businesses have the ability to grow rapidly, create new jobs, improve national competitiveness and promote economic growth. However, they need to be given more favorable conditions in terms of preferential credit mechanisms to be able to invest and develop.

Speakers participating in the discussion at the Forum. (Source: VNU)

Admitting that the current training of schools does not meet practical needs, Dr. Hoang Quang Phong said that IT human resources must have the ability to self-study and need to be equipped with skills to access practical knowledge.

The division of IT labor resources must be done right in schools to group students for internships and practice at businesses and organizations in a specialized and focused manner. However, we must face the reality in Vietnam that currently only 17.3% of businesses are considered to operate in high-tech fields. However, the 4th Industrial Revolution can bring many opportunities for rapid growth to small and even micro-sized businesses if they have good and feasible ideas.

Dr. Vu Thi Mai Oanh, an expert from the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Science and Technology Associations, said that in order not to lag behind developed countries, the digital economy and the foundational industries of the 4th Industrial Revolution must be the priority choice. It should not only be political determination but also the participation of the whole society to prioritize resources for innovation. The slower we are in bringing scientific and technological advances into production and life, the greater the risk of Vietnam falling behind.

To enhance the role of universities and colleges in the startup ecosystem, Dr. Tran Thanh Xuyen and Le Van Trung, working at Hau Giang Community College, said that the connection between schools and businesses must be considered a condition to ensure the existence and development of both sides.

Strong schools are the source of knowledge and technology production for society, providing abundant creative ideas for start-up projects, contributing to the increase of assets and intellectual capacity for businesses. To do that, the training program must be regularly updated, including strengthening the subjects on business start-up.

According to a report by the National Innovation Center (NIC), innovation brings positive impacts to the national economy, contributing up to 95% to the competitiveness of the economy, 66% of innovation value will impact people's lives; 65% of universities and research institutes will participate in innovation activities.

It can be said that innovation through science and technology is the key to help Vietnam overcome the middle-income trap and soon escape from dependence on low technology and resources. Therefore, Vietnam is increasingly perfecting the factors that promote innovation effectively.

The development process of major economies in the world shows that changes in science, technology and innovation will directly change the face of the economy. Therefore, innovation is one of the important indicators, guiding the development center of each country.

Innovation not only refers to research and development (R&D) activities associated with training and research facilities or the process of interacting, using and creating technology in practice associated with the role of businesses, but also refers to related institutions including policy systems, financial institutions, markets, human resources, infrastructure, communications and other conditions to achieve the goal of improving productivity, product and service quality, improving workforce skills and maximizing the effectiveness of socio-economic development.

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