Vietnam Innovation Network to unlock the nation’s potential

The launching ceremony of Vietnam Innovation Network

In the afternoon of August 19, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, head of the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Commission Pham Minh Chinh, and Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam, along with leaders of the ministries of Planning and Investment (MPI), Science and Technology (MST), Education and Training, and Foreign Affairs, and scientists launched Vietnam Innovation Network.

Vietnam Innovation Network has gathered around 100 overseas Vietnamese scientists and experts to mobilise the maximum resources of gray matter in science and technology. These experts will be a crucial resource to ensure the successful implementation of the Industry 4.0 strategy, bringing about rapid technological changes in Vietnam, allowing the country to transform vigorously in harmony with the globe.

“Industry 4.0 is booming and has made it possible for developing countries like Vietnam to restructure their economy and create a breakthrough in development. Innovation was already the key before and the shortest way to achieve fast and sustainable development. Countries which do not seize this opportunity will not be able to succeed,” said Nguyen Chi Dung, Minister of Planning and Investment.

At the ceremony, scientists proposed solutions to mobilise knowledge resources, utilise advanced technology, as well as approach markets and venture investment capital over the world.

Bui Hai Hung, researcher at Google Deepmind (in US), said that there are many Vietnamese artificial intelligence (AI) experts working in other countries. However, Vietnam has yet to appear on the world map in this field. He proposed Vietnam to establish an AI Centre for further development in this sector, in addition to technical infrastructure and cloud computing.

Meanwhile, Ho Anh Van said that there are many Vietnamese experts working at leading universities and groups in Japan. To make Vietnam Innovation Network successful, the government should be a bridge between domestic and overseas intellectuals by creating effective policies, while enterprises should be willing to receive technology and coordination.

Vietnam’s Global Innovation Index has climbed 14 steps to stand 45^th among 126 countries over the last two years. Enterprises have been paying attention to research and development (R&D), rising from 68^th in 2016 to 48^th in 2018.

Chu Ngoc Anh, Minister of Science and Technology, shared that the impact assessment scheme of Industry 4.0 is currently being formulated. Based on Vietnam Innovation Network, the minister asked the experts to contribute to the creation of appropriate policies for the development of human resources in the field of science and technology.

The PM meeting with overseas Vietnamese experts at the Government Office

In the morning, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met over 100 overseas experts and scientists. “The government will use the advantages of Industry 4.0 to raise the performance and efficiency of the economy, thus improving the quality of people’s lives and the scale of the economy,” emphasised the PM. The country cannot develop without innovation, and one of the solutions is to create innovation centres in technical parks, with Hanoi’s Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park first.

The PM confirmed to continue developing the Innovation Network. Vietnam needs more and more innovative knowledge to serve as the foundation for raising value and improving the competitiveness of the economy. The PM also affirmed to create the most favourable conditions for overseas Vietnamese intellectuals to directly take part in science-technology projects and programmes.