Ranked second in the 2023 Local Innovation Index (PII), Ho Chi Minh City demonstrates strong innovation and technology development capacity, second only to Hanoi. This achievement highlights the City's strategic focus on strengthening science and technology infrastructure, as well as fostering an ecosystem conducive to research and innovation.
Despite strategic initiatives and high rankings, Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular still face major challenges in R&D capacity. Currently, Vietnam only invests 0.4% of GDP in R&D, significantly lower than other countries. This underinvestment, coupled with a fragmented approach, is limiting the potential for breakthrough innovation. Furthermore, there is a significant gap in training highly qualified human resources and a lack of large-scale enterprises capable of implementing large R&D projects.
In that context, there is a need for solutions to improve R&D capacity. Below are some comments on this issue.
Enhance development and attraction of talent
To improve the City's R&D capacity, the number one priority is to build appropriate human resources in both quality and quantity. This requires a multifaceted approach.
First, innovate advanced education and training in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Strengthening education in STEM fields from preschool to university level is very important. This includes updating the curriculum to reflect current industry needs, incorporating practical and hands-on learning experiences, and promoting critical thinking and innovation.
Schools should also expand in-depth training in emerging fields such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, renewable energy and semiconductor technology.
In addition, it is necessary to focus on comprehensive development, equipping students with the professional knowledge, practical skills and soft skills necessary to work in an R&D environment.
Second, cooperation between universities, research institutes and the technology industry. Build strong partnerships between educational institutions and the technology industry to ensure that the skills being taught match what is needed in R&D centres. Internships, lectures by industry experts, and joint research projects can provide students with real-world experience and insight.
In addition, encourage cooperation with international universities and research organizations to exchange and connect. Exchange programs, joint research initiatives and conferences help share knowledge and best practices. Ho Chi Minh City can introduce policies on building a collaborative ecosystem like Silicon Valley - where formal partnerships between universities, research organizations and industries are established to create an integrated ecosystem that drives innovation from idea to commercialization.
Third, policies and support from management agencies to attract talent. Regulators can provide incentives for R&D investment, create favorable policies for technology startups, and invest in technology parks and technology incubators. Policies that facilitate cooperation between foreign and local companies can also be beneficial. In addition, Ho Chi Minh City can offer preferential policies to attract talent, such as financial support, housing, insurance..., to attract domestic and foreign talent to join the centers. R&D.
Improving the quality and quantity of Vietnamese human resources to participate in R&D centers is an important task, requiring the efforts of both management agencies, businesses and people. If the above solutions are well implemented, Ho Chi Minh City will have more high-quality human resources to serve the economy in general and participate in R&D centers in particular, contributing to promoting science and technology development. , improving the competitiveness of the local economy.
Build a strong research and innovation ecosystem
Strong human resources need a strong ecosystem with advanced R&D centers and vibrant R&D activities. Simplifying administrative procedures for R&D activities, reducing bureaucracy and establishing clear legal frameworks will help increase ease of doing business and attract more R&D investment. The City Government can offer attractive tax incentives and investment subsidies for R&D activities carried out within the City. In particular, it is necessary to strengthen the enforcement of intellectual property rights to protect innovative achievements developed locally.
Developing technology parks and innovation centers around R&D centers is also an effective approach. Through this, the City can attract startups and smaller companies to create an ecosystem where they can exchange ideas and strengthen cooperation. Take for example in Hanoi, Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park and the National Innovation Center (NIC) have implemented this model very well.
Besides, the City can facilitate the development and support of local businesses so they can become part of the supply chain for R&D centers. In addition, Ho Chi Minh City can also establish a dedicated fund to support startups and small and medium-sized enterprises in implementing high-risk, high-profit R&D projects, such as the incentive model. enhanced by the Singapore Government. Thereby, it is possible to stimulate the spirit of local entrepreneurship and create a multiplier effect in the economy.
In particular, the City should focus on emerging technologies by prioritizing attracting R&D centers in areas such as AI, blockchain, advanced materials, renewable energy and the semiconductor industry by providing Targeted support, infrastructure and access to venture capital. In line with world trends, there is a need to promote environmentally responsible research activities and integrate sustainability considerations into R&D activities.
Last, but indispensable, is investment in infrastructure development, such as high-speed Internet, stable power supply, transportation network... to support the needs of high-tech industries and activities. R&D dynamic. Research infrastructure in universities and public institutions also needs to be improved, including providing access to cutting-edge technology and research tools.
Promote technology transfer and knowledge cooperation
R&D centers established by large global corporations such as Samsung, Intel and Microsoft are providing golden opportunities to promote economic and high-tech development in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City can encourage R&D centers and local universities/research organizations to collaborate on projects that address national priorities in areas such as agriculture, healthcare and renewable energy. created to promote knowledge exchange and equip local researchers with cutting-edge expertise.
At the same time, it is necessary to facilitate the transfer of technology developed by R&D centers to Vietnamese companies through licensing agreements, joint ventures and technology incubation programs. This accelerates the adoption of advanced technologies in local industries.
The city can foster a startup culture like the model that the city. Tel Aviv (Israel) is implementing a policy of promoting entrepreneurial thinking through educational and community programs that encourage risk-taking and innovation. At the same time, mechanisms can be put in place to launch accelerator and mentorship programs that connect budding entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders and innovators.
Establish researcher and engineer exchange programs between R&D centers and local organizations, to help workers access international best practices and promote a culture of innovation.
Stronger promotion of the role of Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park
Although Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park (SHTP) plays an important role in R&D development in the City, some difficulties still exist such as an incomplete legal system, inadequate infrastructure, and human resources. High-quality human resources are lacking, links between businesses and universities/research institutes are limited, and support mechanisms for R&D businesses are inadequate. Therefore, the City needs to have specific mechanisms and policies for SHTP in the overall policies mentioned above. Since then, SHTP has become a nursery for the City's R&D projects and fully developed the City's potential and orientation in contributing to promoting innovation and improving competitiveness for Ho Chi Minh City. .
By implementing the above strategies, Ho Chi Minh City can build a prosperous high-tech ecosystem, promote economic growth and affirm itself as a leading locality in innovation across the country. However, it must be understood that the City's specific needs and priorities will change over time, requiring management agencies and businesses to continuously adapt. The key lies in fostering a collaborative environment, nurturing a skilled workforce and creating a business-friendly environment to attract and retain R&D investment.
Dr. Chu Thanh Tuan (Vice Head of Bachelor of Business Major, RMIT Vietnam University)
According to Investment Newspaper