Promoting innovation

Innovation is one of the three main pillars mentioned in Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated 22-12-2024 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation.

Leaders of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) along with scientists and lecturers from Dong Nai visited and learned about scientific-technical equipment and core technology at the CT Innovation Center of CT Group (HCM City) in May 2025. Photo: H.Quan

Dong Nai has been expanding numerous programs and activities to promote innovation at the locality, laying the groundwork for sustainable socio-economic development.

Focusing on key tasks

Innovation will leverage the capacity of science and technology, generating practical values for socio-economic development. In the era of the  Industrial Revolution 4.0, science and technology must go hand in hand with innovation. Through this approach, innovation brings science and technology into everyday life.

At the conference on guiding the development of plans and budget estimates for science and technology, innovation and digital transformation in 2026, organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) at the end of July 2025, Director Nguyen Mai Duong of the Department of Innovation under MoST shared that innovation activities include the application and transfer of technology; innovation based on technological renewal, technology creation, and improving technological efficiency; creative startups; provision of science and technology and innovation services; initiatives, technical improvements, knowledge creation, and other related activities.

By the end of September 2025, Dong Nai plans to organize the Dong Nai Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation Festival 2025 under the theme “Creative runway, Dong Nai takes off.”

Deputy Director Vo Hoang Khai of DoST stated that the festival will feature a range of practical activities to celebrate the National Innovation Day (October 1), National Digital Transformation Day (October 10), and notably, the Dong Nai Provincial Party Congress for the 2025–2030 term. Key activities at the festival include a Science and Technology exhibition; a series of seminars and conferences on the implementation of Resolution 57-NQ/TW; workshops on science and technology, digital transformation, and innovation; as well as investment networking conference to call for funding for startup projects.

The core content of innovation activities includes supporting enterprises in applying technology, transferring technology, and innovating technology; enhancing technology efficiency and supporting the commercialization of new or improved products, goods, and business processes; introducing new technologies into production (technological innovation); providing interest rate support for loans from credit institutions; supporting innovation activities, creative startups, innovation systems, and startup ecosystems; and promoting a culture of innovation and creative entrepreneurship.

In Dong Nai, regarding the field of innovation, the province has implemented various activities to improve and enhance the local innovation index, developed and rolled out the plan “Supporting the innovation startup ecosystem in Dong Nai 2025,” and promoted the development of creative startup enterprises in the area. As of July 2025, the province had 88 creative startup enterprises.

Huynh Thanh Van, Chairman of the Southern Startup Advisory and Support Council (Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry – VCCI), emphasized that recently, the startup movement has grown strongly in localities, including Dong Nai. The province and the council have implemented practical activities in startup consulting, innovation, business skills training, and startup knowledge, fostering local startup models. In the coming time, the province needs additional policies to support innovative startup enterprises, contributing to the effective implementation of Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW dated 4-5-2025 of the Politburo on developing private economy in the locality.

Strengthening connection activities

According to many experts, Dong Nai holds an important strategic position, adjacent to HCM City. The province boasts a developed industrial system, coupled with the “boost” from the nearly completed and soon-to-be-operational Long Thanh International Airport… This positions Dong Nai with significant potential and advantages to promote the development of the innovation sector.

Le Anh Tien, CEO of Viet Nam Chatbot Technology Joint Stock Company, shared that in order to build and promote the startup and innovation ecosystem, Dong Nai needs to continue improving connectivity and logistics infrastructure, focus on developing high-quality local human resources, and establish a comprehensive support ecosystem for innovative and startup enterprises. At the same time, the province should develop value chains linked to its key industries, with particular attention paid to sectors such as logistics and supply chains, high-tech agriculture, and the establishment and development of incubators and centers for startups and innovation.

In addition, startups and innovative enterprises in Dong Nai need to proactively seize opportunities and focus on accessing information and policies on the development of science and technology and innovation; clearly identify key sectors and fields to invest in developing their internal capabilities and brand; as well as seek and leverage suitable strategic partnerships.

Do Quang Trung, Head of the HCM City-based Vietnam Internet Center, noted that Dong Nai is among the localities with significant potential and advantages in developing internet resources and digital platforms. Therefore, the province should strengthen management and development of digital resources locally, including supporting citizens, enterprises, and business households to have reliable and safe online presence using the “.vn” national domain. The “.vn” domain is not only a technical tool but also a strategic internet resource contributing to local digital capacity, promoting e-commerce, digital transformation, and innovation, thereby supporting sustainable development of Dong Nai.

During a working session with the leadership and key officials of the DoST in July 2025, Member of the Provincial Standing Party Committee and Vice Chairman of Dong Nai People’s Committee Le Truong Son emphasized that the DoST needs to review and focus on implementing tasks and targets in the final months of the year, especially those related to the implementation of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW in the province. This includes selecting pilot projects, developing outstanding models and enterprises in innovation, and linking businesses with educational institutions to promote the development of innovation and the startup ecosystem across the province.

By: Hai Quan

Translated by: M.Nguyet-Thu Ha