A constructive approach to scientific research at Hanoi University of Industry

In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, scientific research has moved beyond the pursuit of academic indicators to become a central driver of human resource development and sustainable growth. At the roundtable discussion entitled “Developing Scientific Research in Universities as a Driver for Enhancing Educational Quality,” organized by Industry and Trade Magazine, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Trong Chuong, Head of the Science and Technology Department at Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI), outlined a comprehensive and practice-oriented roadmap for advancing research activities. His presentation highlighted the need to reform internal governance mechanisms in order to empower researchers, while progressively strengthening trust within the collaborative ecosystem connecting the State, universities, and enterprises.

The roundtable discussion on “Developing scientific research in universities as a driver for enhancing educational quality”

One of the most notable aspects of HaUI’s governance strategy, as shared by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Trong Chuong, is its early adoption of a digital university orientation as early as 2013 and 2014. This strategic move was designed to address the long standing tension between teaching responsibilities and research productivity. In practice, administrative procedures often place a significant burden on academic staff, dispersing their time and intellectual resources. By digitizing administrative operations, HaUI has substantially reduced procedural workloads, enabling lecturers to devote greater attention to research activities, market analysis, and product development in collaboration with industry partners.

The effectiveness of this governance mindset is clearly reflected in the University’s performance indicators during the 2024–2025 academic year. With a workforce of nearly 1,500 staff members and a learner population exceeding 35,000, HaUI has established a robust financial mechanism to stimulate scientific productivity. Approximately VND 13 billion is allocated annually to reward outstanding academic publications by faculty members, while more than VND 5 billion is invested each year to support student research activities.

This strong institutional commitment has generated measurable and significant outcomes. During the 2024–2025 academic year, HaUI recorded more than 1,500 scientific publications. In terms of science and technology projects, four national level research tasks were approved, alongside twenty ministerial or equivalent level projects that were newly initiated or continued. Particularly noteworthy is the advancement in intellectual property, with fourteen inventions and utility solutions either granted patents or accepted for protection. These achievements underscore HaUI’s position as a leading institution within the network of universities under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Trong Chuong, Head of the Science and Technology Department, Hanoi University of Industry

From an academic perspective, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Trong Chuong emphasized the reciprocal relationship between scientific research and the quality of education. Engagement in research compels lecturers to continuously access new knowledge, thereby updating curricula and innovating teaching methodologies. At the same time, research activities contribute to the creation of an advanced learning environment in which students transition from passive recipients of knowledge to active participants within research teams. Through direct exposure to emerging fields and real world problem solving, students develop systems thinking and practical problem solving skills that align closely with labor market demands.

At HaUI, the early adoption of outcome based education aligned with the CDIO framework has enabled enterprises to participate substantively in curriculum development and periodic revision. Curriculum adjustments are conducted on a regular cycle of approximately two and a half years, ensuring that educational content remains responsive to technological advancements and innovation requirements in the digital economy.

Despite these achievements, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Trong Chuong candidly identified persistent barriers in scientific research development, particularly the insufficient depth of trust between universities and enterprises. Many research projects remain heavily academic in nature and are not yet driven by concrete demands from industry. As a result, the Technology Readiness Level of research outputs in Vietnam typically remains at levels four or five, corresponding to laboratory validation, whereas enterprises require technologies at levels eight or nine to enable immediate commercialization.

To bridge this gap, he proposed accelerating the development of science and technology enterprises, or spin off companies, within universities. However, the current legal framework lacks detailed guidance to mitigate legal risks and support sustainable operation. Once these regulatory constraints are addressed, university spin offs could serve as effective conduits for transferring research outcomes from laboratories to the market, unlocking significant socio economic value.

Looking toward the national objective of achieving double digit economic growth from 2026 onward, an ambition that traditional growth models are unlikely to fulfill, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Trong Chuong reaffirmed the decisive role of science, technology, and innovation. He put forward two strategic recommendations. First, greater resource support from supervising ministries is needed to enhance digital infrastructure capacity at universities that have not yet achieved full autonomy, as human resources and digital mindset are critical to effective system operation. Second, the role of economic diplomacy should be strengthened. Trade counselors and overseas diplomatic missions should act as bridges to facilitate access to core technologies and international cooperation models, thereby supporting deeper integration of Vietnamese universities and enterprises into global innovation networks.

The insights shared by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Trong Chuong at the roundtable offered a practical and nuanced perspective on the role of scientific research in higher education. More broadly, they reflect a strategic shift in governance thinking and a sustained effort to build a resilient ecosystem based on the collaboration among the State, universities, and enterprises. When institutional bottlenecks and trust deficits are effectively addressed, science and technology can truly become a transformative force, driving breakthroughs in both economic development and the quality of higher education in Vietnam.