VINC FORUM initiative launched at Innovate Vietnam 2024

The National Innovation Center (NIC), under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, has partnered with the Vietnam University and College Innovation and Startup Network (VNEI) to launch the Vietnam Innovation Forum for Netzero and Climate Change Adaptation (VINC FORUM) initiative.
This program aims to strengthen networking and exchange on innovation among universities, both domestic and international, as well as with enterprises, businesses, and policy makers.

Hub Langstaff, Country Manager of the Swiss EP Program Vietnam, speaks at the conference. Photos: MPI

The program represents a significant milestone in VNEI's collaborative efforts and underscores the strong commitment of local and global universities and innovation organizations to address pressing challenges such as climate change, emissions reduction, and creating a sustainable future.

Participants provided a comprehensive overview of the current state of innovation in higher education, as well as international perspectives on Vietnam's innovation landscape.

Speaking at the seminar,  Vu Quoc Huy, Director of NIC, emphasized the importance of innovation in the higher education system and its role in achieving the goal of building a prosperous nation. 

He expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the cooperation between domestic and foreign universities and NIC to train quality human resources.

Hub Langstaff, Country Manager of the Swiss EP Program Vietnam, shared insights on Swiss innovation models, highlighted Vietnam's significant innovation potential, and offered recommendations to strengthen the local innovation ecosystem.

Dr. Sarah Mamiese, Director of the AFD Campus, praised Vietnam's recent strides in innovation, particularly the establishment of the NIC as a symbol of successful innovation that reflects the nation's passionate commitment to progress.

Tran Nam Tu, Deputy Director General of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment at the Ministry of Education and Training, suggested that the higher education system identify which institutions have the capacity to innovate and which have the potential but don't currently use it. 

He noted that innovation depends not only on individuals, but also on leadership and the entire system.

"This approach will provide a comprehensive view of innovation in Vietnamese universities and help refine effective policies," Tu stressed.

The Deputy General Director announced that the Ministry of Education and Training plans to launch two initiatives, including "Training Human Resources for High-Tech Development (2025-2035)" and "Developing High-Quality Human Resources for the Fourth Industrial Revolution."

Tu added that these initiatives aim to build a strong workforce in high-tech fields such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors, positioning Vietnam to attract investment from leading global tech firms.

These efforts will support economic restructuring and sustainable development through science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, and green initiatives.

An overview of the conference.

In addition, fostering a supportive work environment is critical to maximizing the potential of trained personnel and providing continuous learning opportunities, he said.

During the seminar, the organizers announced the addition of 15 new members to the VNEI, bringing the total number of members to 71. The network was launched under the auspices of the NIC and the Ministry of Planning and Investment. Its goal is to foster collaboration among organizations that share the mission of supporting and promoting innovation and startups in universities and colleges. 

The network aims to implement innovative initiatives in education, research, technology transfer and overall capacity development of educational institutions.