Innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education: Lessons from the Startup Nation

With the objective of nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset and facilitating the dissemination of practical knowledge within higher education, Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI) convened the international workshop entitled “Innovation & entrepreneurship in Universities: Strategies and Implementation Experiences” on the morning of August 18. The event provided an academic forum for scholars, experts, and practitioners to exchange theoretical perspectives, share empirical insights, and discuss effective strategies for advancing innovation and entrepreneurship in university settings.

The seminar convened distinguished scholars, experts, and industry leaders from Vietnam and abroad, providing a high-level forum for the exchange of insights and the exploration of effective strategies and models to foster innovation ecosystems within higher education institutions.

Prior to the official opening, Dr. Kieu Xuan Thuc, Rector of HaUI, warmly welcomed and held an informal exchange with Ms. Maayan Ben Tura, Deputy Ambassador of Israel to Vietnam. The meeting highlighted the strong cooperative ties between the two nations, particularly in science, technology, and innovation, setting the stage for the seminar’s in-depth discussions.

During the reception, Dr. Kieu Xuan Thuc underscored that innovation constitutes a core strategic mission of Hanoi University of Industry. He noted that innovation serves as a catalyst for enhancing the quality of teaching and research, driving the development of advanced training programs, and creating an academic environment that nurtures creativity and critical thinking. At the same time, innovation strengthens the university’s institutional capacity, expands opportunities for collaboration with industry and international partners, and contributes to sustainable socio-economic development, thereby affirming HaUI’s commitment to becoming a forward-looking and globally engaged institution.

Dr. Kieu Xuan Thuc, Rector of Hanoi University of Industry

Ms. Maayan Ben Tura highlighted the remarkable similarities between the peoples of Vietnam and Israel, particularly their diligence, resilience, and strong sense of community. She emphasized that these shared cultural values provide a strong foundation for building mutual understanding and trust, which are essential for advancing cooperation. She also expressed her belief that this seminar would mark the beginning of new opportunities for collaboration across diverse fields and pave the way for long-term, effective, and sustainable partnerships between the two nations.

Ms. Maayan Ben Tura, Deputy Ambassador of Israel to Vietnam

Dr. Kieu Xuan Thuc, Rector of Hanoi University of Industry, presented a commemorative gift to Ms. Maayan Ben Tura, Deputy Ambassador of Israel to Vietnam

In the opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dong, Vice Rector of Hanoi University of Industry, warmly welcomed the participants and expressed profound admiration for Israel’s remarkable capacity to apply science and technology in addressing real-world challenges. He emphasized that, although Hanoi University of Industry has achieved significant progress in scientific research, with nearly 2,000 papers published annually, about 30% of which appear in reputable international journals, the commercialization of inventions and the translation of research outcomes into practical applications remain major challenges. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dong expressed his hope that, through the candid insights shared by experts, the seminar would provide valuable lessons and pave the way for broader and more substantive cooperation in the future.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dong, Vice Rector of Hanoi University of Industry, delivered the opening remarks at the workshop “Innovation & entrepreneurship in Universities: Strategies and Implementation Experiences"

Highlighting the Embassy of Israel’s key areas of active engagement in Vietnam, including entrepreneurship, agricultural technology, water management, and women’s health, Deputy Ambassador Maayan Ben Tura introduced the seminar’s keynote speaker, Ms. Lirone Glikman, an internationally recognized expert, researcher, and bestselling author on startup ecosystem development. She emphasized that the Embassy had invited one of the foremost authorities in the field.

Ms. Maayan Ben Tura, Deputy Ambassador of Israel to Vietnam, delivers a speech at the workshop

In her presentation titled “Innovation and Leadership Secrets – Lessons from Unicorn Founders and Insights for Vietnam,” Ms. Lirone Glikman outlined five fundamental principles behind the success of Israeli leaders and startup founders: agile thinking, mindful leadership, embracing failure, continuous learning, and building a strong network. Drawing on concrete examples from companies such as Waze and PillCam, she stressed the importance of asking the right questions and transforming setbacks into opportunities for growth, presenting these experiences as an integral part of the journey toward innovation.

Ms. Lirone Glikman, International Expert on Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Ms. Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo, Deputy Director of the Innovation Institute at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), shared practical experiences in building the startup ecosystem at UEH. She introduced the "Innovative Headway" model, a comprehensive framework that supports students from the ideation stage to company formation and the creation of tangible value. She also emphasized the importance of socializing entrepreneurship activities, calling for the collaboration of the business community and alumni to establish a sustainable support environment.

Ms. Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo, Deputy Director of the Innovation Institute at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH)

The ensuing roundtable discussion gathered prominent experts from prominent investment funds and startup incubators, including Mr. Doan Hai Nam of Thinkzone Ventures and Mr. Tran Lich of VISIA. Participants explored the major challenges and opportunities facing startups, with a particular focus on those emerging from university environments. A key issue highlighted was the gap between scientific research and its practical commercialization. The experts emphasized the need to foster stronger collaboration among universities, students, and businesses, while leveraging successful alumni networks to bridge this gap and support sustainable entrepreneurial development.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trương Thị Nam Thắng, Vice Chairperson of VNEI

Mr. Tran Lich, Director of VISIA (the Vietnam Impact Startup Incubator and Accelerator supported by the U.S. Embassy)

Mr. Doan Hai Nam, Chief Operating Officer of Thinkzone Ventures

The workshop was held in the context of Vietnam’s strategic vision to position itself as a leading “startup nation.” The Government has introduced comprehensive and forward-looking policies to advance entrepreneurship and innovation, recognizing them as key drivers of sustainable economic and social development. Universities are acknowledged as pivotal institutions in this endeavor, functioning as incubators for innovative ideas and as training grounds for cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders.