Science, Technology and Innovation Conference 2025: Synergizing the power of Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem

On the afternoon of October 24, the Science, Technology and Innovation Conference 2025 convened policymakers, scientists, experts, entrepreneurs, and investors from across Vietnam to engage in a forward-looking dialogue on innovation and sustainable development.

Overview of the conference

The conference, co-organized by the Department of Innovation under the Ministry of Science and Technology and Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI), was held under the theme “Science, Technology, and Innovation: The Driving Force for Sustainable Development.” It served as an important national platform for sharing insights, shaping strategic directions, and exploring breakthrough solutions as Vietnam enters a new phase of socio-economic growth. This year’s conference was particularly significant, taking place shortly after the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation (No. 93/2025/QH15) was passed by the National Assembly and amid the ongoing implementation of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo, issued on December 22, 2024, which calls for accelerated progress in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.

Mr. Pham Viet Hong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Innovation under the Ministry of Science and Technology

In his opening remarks, Mr. Pham Viet Hong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Innovation under the Ministry of Science and Technology, emphasized that 2025 marks a pivotal year in realizing the objectives set out in Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW and the National Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation through 2030. He highlighted the Government’s newly issued Decree No. 263/2025/NĐ-CP, which translates major policy directions into concrete actions, particularly in talent development and in fostering an open environment that enables scientists, experts, educators, and entrepreneurs to fully realize their potential. Mr. Hong affirmed that the conference provides a meaningful platform for stakeholders across Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem to exchange experiences, strengthen partnerships, and promote sustainable growth driven by knowledge and creativity.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dong, Vice Rector of Hanoi University of Industry, delivered welcome remarks at the conference

In his welcoming remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dong, Vice Rector of Hanoi University of Industry, affirmed that science, technology, and innovation stand among the university’s three strategic pillars, together with education and enterprise collaboration. He highlighted HaUI’s strong commitment to advancing research, technology transfer, and startup incubation, envisioning the university as a leading innovation hub in Vietnam and the region. He also expressed confidence that the conference would inspire new ideas, strengthen cooperation, and contribute to Vietnam’s pursuit of a knowledge-based, technology-driven future.

Mr. Pham Viet Hong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Innovation under the Ministry of Science and Technology, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dong, Vice Rector of Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI), presented tokens of appreciation to the conference speakers.

Dr. Nguyen Truong Phi, Head of the Innovation System Management Division under the Department of Innovation, delivered a presentation on “Government Policies and Directions for the Development of the National Innovation System.”

He emphasized that Law No. 93/2025/QH15 represents a fundamental shift from process-based control to outcome-based management, encouraging greater risk-taking in research and positioning enterprises at the center of the national innovation ecosystem.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Truong Ngoc Kiem, Director of the High-Tech Park and Innovation Centre at Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), delivered a presentation on “The Role of research institutes and universities in scientific research, technology transfer, and innovation

Representing the academic sector, Assoc. Prof. Truong Ngoc Kiem showcased the university’s notable achievements in research commercialization. Between 2022 and 2024, these activities generated approximately VND 253 billion in revenue, with more than 300 research outcomes successfully translated into practical applications. Looking ahead, VNU aims to increase revenue from science and technology to 30 percent of its total income, equivalent to about VND 3 trillion, by 2030.

Mr. Lai Hoang Duong, Director of Production, Research and Development at Thanh Giong Joint Stock Company, delivered a presentation on “Enterprises and the journey of innovation and digital transformation

From an enterprise perspective, Mr. Lai Hoang Duong, Director of Production, Research and Development at Thanh Giong JSC, shared the company’s innovation journey, highlighting that around 30 percent of its total investment has been allocated to automation, helping to reduce production costs and enhance competitiveness. He also introduced the successful “Digital Literacy for All” initiative, which aims to bring affordable computers to local communities, fostering greater access to digital technology across the country.

Mr. Pham Tuan Hiep, Secretary General of the Hanoi Association for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, analyzed the role of intermediary organizations in his presentation titled “Connecting associations and science and technology intermediaries to foster the innovation ecosystem.”

Mr. Pham Tuan Hiep emphasized the critical role of intermediary organizations in bridging research and commercialization, helping to improve the technology readiness level of domestic products (currently at levels 3–4). He called for stronger collaboration among associations, universities, and enterprises to strengthen Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem.

Ms. Le Minh Phuong, representative of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund under the Ministry of Finance, introduced “Financial and Investment Solutions for Innovation

Addressing financial solutions, Ms. Le Minh Phuong introduced a range of funding initiatives that support innovation-driven businesses. She noted that the Fund has disbursed more than VND 1,000 billion to around 100 enterprises at preferential interest rates of 1.2%–4.4% per year, fixed for up to seven years, providing vital financial resources for innovation projects.

Mr. Trinh Dang Quan, Director of 111 Vietnam Technology Joint Stock Company and a distinguished alumnus of Hanoi University of Industry

A highlight of the conference was the inspiring story shared by Mr. Trinh Dang Quan, CEO of 111 Vietnam Technology JSC and a distinguished HaUI alumnus. Starting from a student project, his company developed energy-efficient LED lights that save 50% of power consumption for fishermen, successfully entering both domestic and regional markets. His entrepreneurial journey exemplifies the creativity, courage, and perseverance of Vietnam’s young innovators.

Panel discussion on “Fostering innovation through collaboration and partnership.”

In his closing remarks, Mr. Pham Viet Hong highlighted the outstanding success of the Science, Technology and Innovation Conference 2025, which featured insightful presentations, practical policy recommendations, and dynamic exchanges among participants. He affirmed that the valuable ideas and proposals shared throughout the event would serve as important inputs for shaping and implementing future national strategies in science, technology, and innovation.

The conference reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering commitment to advancing science, technology, and innovation as the cornerstone of sustainable development, reinforcing the nation’s aspiration to position itself among the top 40 countries worldwide on the Global Innovation Index (GII) by 2030.