Hanoi sets sights on becoming innovation hub

This message was highlighted by Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat during the “Techconnect and Innovation Vietnam 2024” event, co-organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and the Hanoi People's Committee.

Held from September 30 to October 1, this event also marked the 65th anniversary of the Ministry of Science and Technology (1959-2024) and the 70th anniversary of Hanoi's liberation (October 10, 1954-2024).

Minister Dat underscored the city's accomplishments, noting the significant progress in developing Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, which has attracted over 300 investment projects in high-tech sectors with total registered capital exceeding $8 billion.

"Science, technology, and innovation are key drivers for enhancing productivity and sustainable growth, as well as for developing new business models and enhancing both business and national competitiveness in the global market,” he said.

The year 2024 is particularly important for Vietnam as it works on its 10-year socioeconomic strategy for 2021-2030, with science, technology, and innovation as essential pillars for rapid and sustainable growth.

Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat at Techconnect and Innovation Vietnam 2024. Photo: MoST

Le Hong Son, Standing Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee, highlighted Hanoi’s prominent role in the country’s scientific landscape. The capital is home to more than 70 per cent of Vietnam’s scientific and technological organisations, universities, and research institutes, as well as 82 per cent of national laboratories. Additionally, over 65 per cent of Vietnam's top scientists live and work in the city, positioning Hanoi as a key player in advancing science, technology, and innovation.

Son also emphasised that the recently approved amended Law on the Capital City will help eliminate barriers to the development of these fields in Hanoi. The law includes specific incentives designed to promote the growth of high-tech parks, innovation centres, and advanced technology business models, which will further solidify Hanoi's status as an innovation hub in Vietnam and the region.

The amended law supports the application and transfer of technology, helps businesses invest in research and development, and facilitates the commercialisation of scientific research outcomes. It also allows public universities and research institutes to establish their own enterprises, further encouraging innovation.

Son pointed out that a key feature of the amended law is the introduction of “sandboxes” for emerging technologies, enabling Hanoi to swiftly adopt technological advancements and foster startup growth.

Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park has been instrumental in producing high-tech products for domestic and regional markets. The park annually supplies thousands of high-quality workers and strengthens the links between training, research, and production. To date, it has attracted 108 investment projects, including 93 domestic and 15 foreign, with total registered capital of VND116 trillion ($4.6 billion).

In 2023, Hanoi led the country in the Provincial Innovation Index and continues to excel in 2024. The city now hosts 168 out of the approximately 800 science and technology enterprises in Vietnam and boasts over 1,000 innovative startups, representing more than 26 per cent of the national total. Additionally, nearly 300 high-tech agricultural production models in the city have shown promising results, further solidifying Hanoi's leadership in innovation.

This combination of government support, private sector investment, and scientific talent positions Hanoi as a key driver of Vietnam’s future growth in science, technology, and innovation.

Vietnam to become a country of origin of innovation Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highly appreciated the initial success of the National Innovation Centre at its fifth anniversary celebrations and the official opening of Innovate Vietnam 2024 on October 1 at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park in Hanoi.

Vietnam shows potential as global AI hub An event to mark Vietnam's Artificial Intelligence Day took place in Hanoi on August 23, aiming to foster discussion and exploration of AI's vast potential, while addressing the challenges of applying generative AI.

Vietnam announces provincial innovation index for 2023 The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) held a meeting on March 12 to announce for the first time the Provincial Innovation Index 2023 (PII).