Collaboration for sustainable innovation development

Dong Nai province possesses favorable conditions and significant potential to develop a robust innovation ecosystem. To promote innovation activities, the close coordination under the Triple Helix model (among  government, research institutes/universities, and enterprises), plays a crucial role.

The leader of the Dong Nai Department of Science and Technology visits the exhibition booth showcasing local innovative startup products at the Techfest Dong Nai 2025 event. Photo Hai Quan

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tu Diep Cong Thanh, Director of the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Center (IPTC) at Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, shared his views with reporter from Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television on the potential and opportunities to promote innovation activities in the locality.

Innovation plays a key role in the knowledge-based economy

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tu Diep Cong Thanh. Photo Hai Quan

*In the context of rapidly advancing science and technology, what role does innovation play in promoting socio-economic growth and carrying out breakthrough tasks in science and technology development at local levels, including Dong Nai?

The global economy is increasingly being shaped by knowledge and creativity. Intellectual property and innovation play a crucial role in the knowledge-based economy, especially in today’s era of integration and rapid scientific and technological development. Innovation is not just theoretical—it must have practical applications that address real-world challenges. Its applicability is measured by the ability to meet market, social, or scientific needs, thereby contributing to solving actual problems.

Innovation begins with generating entirely new ideas, technologies, or products. Novelty can be absolute, such as a completely new invention, or relative, representing a significant improvement over existing solutions. This process creates new knowledge value. Furthermore, innovation must have the potential to be commercialized as products, services, or technologies. This potential is demonstrated by the ability to generate economic value through sales, licensing, or direct application. As a result, innovation creates financial benefits for organizations, businesses, and localities. Beyond economic gains, innovation should also have positive impacts on society, the environment, and overall quality of life.

*What opportunities and challenges currently exist for promoting innovation?

Innovation is no longer an option but a survival requirement in today’s era of integration. Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthrough development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation serves as a guiding framework for promoting innovation nationwide, including in localities such as Dong Nai Province.

Innovation creates numerous opportunities for sustainable development for businesses and localities, contributing to long-term economic growth. It facilitates the commercialization of scientific research and inventions and helps foster a generation of creative entrepreneurs. At the same time, innovation enhances national scientific and technological capabilities, promotes a culture that respects and protects knowledge, and develops solutions to global social challenges.

However, alongside these potentials and opportunities, innovation also faces several challenges in many localities. These include the lack of centralized intellectual property management mechanisms, limited investment for technology incubation, and certain shortcomings in collaboration with businesses. Additionally, many universities and enterprises still have limited capacity to manage and commercially exploit intellectual property assets.

Dong Nai holds significant advantages for developing a robust innovation ecosystem

*What do you think are the potential advantages for Dong Nai province to develop an effective and sustainable innovation ecosystem?

Dong Nai Province enjoys a favorable geographic location, bordering Ho Chi Minh City, the country's economic, scientific, technological, and innovation hub. Moreover, Dong Nai is a dynamic locality with well-developed, diversified infrastructure, spanning digital infrastructure, logistics, and transportation connectivity. Notably, the upcoming Long Thanh International Airport, once operational, will be a key driver for the development of science, technology, innovation, and logistics, creating a significant market opportunity for technology products in Dong Nai in the future.

The local government places a strong emphasis on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. For instance, the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee has issued Plan No. 469-KH/TU on May 16, 2025, to implement Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW by the Politburo on breakthrough development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation in the province.

Additionally, the province currently hosts many industrial zones, technology enterprises, and has a large workforce. Dong Nai also leads the nation in the development of products under the One Commune, One Product (OCOP) programs, with approximately 490 OCOP-certified products, many of which have achieved 4-5 star ratings. These factors provide a strong foundation for driving innovation, improving intellectual property management, and achieving the local goals for socio-economic growth and development.

*To promote sustainable innovation development, what key issues should localities, including Dong Nai, focus on?

To develop sustainable innovation activities, localities need to establish long-term plans and directions for the startup and innovation ecosystem, with a focus on developing and transferring strategic technologies. It is also crucial for localities to prioritize the establishment of centers dedicated to key areas, such as intellectual property, professional technology transfer offices at universities, and creating legal frameworks that support universities and scientists in retaining ownership of research outcomes, thus motivating innovation. The development of intellectual property assets, which emerge from universities, businesses, OCOP products, and R&D activities in enterprises and universities, should also be a key focus.

Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City is focusing on developing human resources in key national strategic technology areas, including digital technology, AI, automation, advanced materials, biotechnology, and basic sciences. In addition, the University is considering expanding research and technology transfer activities tailored to local needs, developing specific cooperation programs to support technology transfer, promote innovation, and serve as a bridge to connect international resources with localities, including Dong Nai province.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tu Diep Cong Thanh, Director of the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Center (IPTC)

Additionally, we must strongly support the commercialization of inventions, establish investment funds, and offer favorable tax policies to encourage the commercialization of intellectual property. It is essential to enhance international cooperation in the protection and exploitation of intellectual property and broaden partnerships with global organizations to access advanced technologies and markets.

Specifically, for Dong Nai, to maximize its significant strengths and potential in promoting innovation, the province should intensify the implementation of concrete programs and activities to rank among the leading regions in the country for intellectual property development, especially within universities and businesses. The local government also needs to foster deep collaboration under the Triple Helix model (government, research institutes/universities, and enterprises). In this regard, intermediary science and technology organizations are needed as the crucial elements in this model to effectively and sustainably connect the “Triple Helix” model.

Dong Nai should also establish an innovation and digital transformation center. This center would serve as the 'architect' for designing the province's innovation development strategy, while receiving direction from the Provincial Party Committee and the People’s Committee to implement innovation policies and resolutions. It would also act as a bridge to promote innovation activities following the “Triple-helix” model, connecting both domestic and international resources to foster innovation in the province.

By Hai Quan – Translated by Hong Van, Thu Ha