Strengthening connections across startup and innovation network

Science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation are becoming key drivers of socio-economic development. To enhance their effectiveness, active participation from businesses, educational institutions, experts, and the community is needed alongside the role played by state management agencies.

Vo Hoang Khai, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Department of Science and Technology, experiences digital technology products firsthand at the Trang Bom Ward Innovation Hub.

In particular, the establishment, operation, and connection of local innovation hubs and creative spaces contribute to building an open innovation ecosystem, strengthening linkages among government agencies, educational institutions, businesses, experts, and startup and innovation projects.

Developing grassroots innovation hubs and creative spaces

Dong Nai aims to gradually establish an interconnected innovation network extending from the city to the grassroots level, creating spaces for businesses, universities, experts, and the community to participate in innovation activities, technology applications, and digital transformation. Numerous innovation hubs and creative spaces are being established across localities, bringing technological ideas, solutions, and support resources closer to residents and businesses.

Launched in mid-October 2026, the Binh Phuoc Ward Innovation Space has initially demonstrated its effectiveness in promoting connectivity, practical experiences, and technology applications in education, production, business activities, and local governance through a wide range of programs and activities.

In early October 2026, the city launched the Dong Nai Innovation Hub, an online platform connecting government agencies, businesses, research institutes, universities, startup experts, household businesses, support organizations, solution providers, banks, investment funds, and other partners within the innovation ecosystem.

Hoang Thuy Vu, Vice Chairwoman of the Binh Phuoc Ward People's Committee, said that during implementation, local digital transformation and innovation activities lacked suitable venues. To address this situation, the ward reviewed and repurposed surplus administrative facilities to establish an innovation space, serving as a bridge linking local residents and businesses with government agencies, science and technology organizations, research institutes, universities, and experts.

"Through this space, businesses, residents, teachers, and students have an additional venue to access and improve technology applications and solutions, while developing ideas drawn from everyday life and learning experiences and putting them into effective practice. At the same time, local authorities also have an additional channel to receive ideas and solutions for development right at the grassroots level," emphasized Vu.

In Tri An Ward, the Ward People's Committee launched its Innovation Space in mid-September 2026. Nguyen Van Manh, Vice Chairman of the Ward People's Committee, said the space was expected to become a local hub connecting knowledge, technology, and innovation. It aims to promote digital transformation, develop a knowledge-based economy, support startups, and improve competitiveness, thereby contributing to the rapid and sustainable development of Tri An Ward in the new era.

Earlier, in late August 2026, the Trang Bom Ward People's Committee held a ceremony to announce the establishment of the ward's Innovation Hub. The hub serves as a venue for implementing and coordinating activities within the ward's innovation ecosystem; testing new technological models and solutions commissioned by the Ward People's Committee, organizations, and individuals in accordance with the law; and organizing activities involving STEM/STEAM and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

Chu Thi May, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairwoman of the People's Council of Trang Bom Ward, emphasized, "The innovation hub is not merely a place to showcase technology but also a space for connecting, supporting, and spreading the spirit of innovation throughout the community."

Strengthening linkages and expanding networks

In practice, communes and wards are the closest to residents and local realities, giving them a thorough understanding of the needs of residents, businesses, and communities. Developing innovation hubs and creative spaces suited to local conditions creates opportunities to generate ideas, connect resources, and bring innovative solutions into everyday life.

A Youth Union member helps a resident use a public service kiosk at the Binh Phuoc Ward Innovation Space.

Vo Hoang Khai, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology, said, "For innovation activities to produce tangible results, relevant stakeholders must strengthen linkages among local administrations, universities, colleges, research institutes, businesses, cooperatives, startup support organizations and teams of experts. Each stakeholder has its own strengths, and cooperation will help maximize these resources, contributing to the city's overall development."

The Department of Science and Technology will work alongside localities, universities, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen connections, establish collaborative working groups and communities of practice, and gradually build a citywide innovation network that operates in a practical and effective manner and has a far-reaching impact.

Dr. Nguyen Van Tan, Vice Rector of Lac Hong University in Tran Bien Ward, said, "Universities are not only centers of education and research but can also become development partners for localities, providing the knowledge and technology needed to address practical challenges. In addition, universities can assist local administrations in analyzing data, identifying root causes, and selecting evidence-based solutions, thereby gradually connecting and expanding the innovation network."

By Hai Quan – Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha