Focusing on research and development activities

In order to promote the development of science and technology (S&T) and innovation, localities, including Dong Nai province, are formulating long-term plans and orientations for the development and transfer of strategic technologies, while also stepping up research and development (R&D) activities in enterprises and universities.

Residents and businesses visit and experience digital technologies at the Digital Technology Exhibition during Techfest Dong Nai 2025 event. Photo: Hai Quan

Stepping up the training of human resources

The Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee has recently issued Plan No. 05/KH-UBND on promoting research and development in science and technology and training technological human resources through provincial investment funds, corporate R&D funds, R&D organizations and educational facilities across Dong Nai province for the 2025–2030 period.

The plan aims to implement activities to promote S&T research and development and to train technology-oriented human resources through provincial investment funds, corporate R&D funds, R&D organizations and educational facilities across the province.

According to the Department of Science and Technology, as of December 2025, the province has 16 science and technology enterprises and 88 innovation-oriented enterprises. In addition, Dong Nai has 9 universities. These tertiary education facilities make important contributions to scientific research and technology transfer, as well as to the training and supply of high-quality human resources, thereby helping to drive the province’s socio-economic development.

Priority is given to high technology and strategic technologies, digital infrastructure, shared digital platforms, digital skills training, biotechnology, and other types of technologies, products and services aligned with the objectives of S&T development, innovation and digital transformation. Through this approach, social resources are mobilized to create new digital products and services and high-quality human resources to meet socio-economic development needs.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Vu Quynh, Vice President of Lac Hong University, said that: one of the key solutions for local S&T development is the development of digital human resources and the strengthening of close cooperation among the state, universities and research institutes, and enterprises. Local government, schools and enterprises need to work together in training and effectively utilizing digital talent.

Vo Hoang Khai, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Department of Science and Technology, shared that in recent years, the province has introduced and implemented a range of synchronized strategic policies and measures to build an innovation ecosystem and promote S&T development. In particular, the province focuses on training and capacity-building, developing innovation-oriented human resources, and regularly organizing training programs on digital skills, management, entrepreneurship, e-commerce, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation for start-ups, young workers, students and cooperatives. As a result, this helps enterprises and individuals not only in terms of capital, but also in knowledge, skills and the ability to apply technology in improving innovation activities.

Mobilizing resources for development

Plan No. 05/KH-UBND by the Provincial People’s Committee sets out five key tasks and solutions, including issuing, completing institutional and policy frameworks; commissioning and funding S&T and innovation projects; developing the Quadruple Helix ecosystem (the State, schools, enterprises and R&D organizations); operating the science and technology development fund; training S&T human resources; and strengthening communications and support mechanisms for enterprises and S&T organizations.

Nguyen Van Thanh, Director of the Center for the Promotion of the S&T Market (The State Agency for Technology and Innovation under the Ministry of Science and Technology), noted that: the S&T market plays an important role in promoting S&T, innovation and digital transformation, improving labor productivity, product and service quality, and the competitiveness of the national and local economies, including Dong Nai.

The S&T market currently comprises several main components, including state management agencies that build institutions, policies and a favorable environment for technology transactions; a technology supply source consisting of research institutes, universities, S&T enterprises and organizations and individuals owning R&D results, inventions and technical solutions; and a source of technology demand, including enterprises involving in manufacturing, processing, energy and agriculture that seek to upgrade production lines, automate and digitize their operations.

Associate Professor Dr. Tu Diep Cong Thanh, Director of the Centre for Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, shared that: Dong Nai needs a strong support for patent commercialization, the establishment of investment funds and preferential tax policies to encourage the commercialization of intellectual property assets. He also stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation in intellectual property protection and exploitation and expanding partnerships with international organizations to access global technologies and markets. A key missing link is intermediary S&T organizations to effectively, sustainably connect the state, businesses, schools and investors in S&T development and innovation.

Master Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, a member of the Provincial Innovation and Start-up Council and Director of Luat Viet A Accounting Tax Company Limited (Long Binh ward), said that: the sustainable development of start-ups and innovation depends heavily on the combined availability of human resources and investment capital. Investment in innovation development needs to be properly oriented, with clear objectives and focused long-term plans, thereby placing greater emphasis on increasing the knowledge content in production and business development and on the effective use of investment resources.

Vo Hoang Khai, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Department of Science and Technology emphasized that: in the coming period, Dong Nai will continue to promote the linkage role of “Quadruple Helix” among the State, schools, enterprises and investors, and encourage cooperation between schools, research institutes and businesses in research, transfer and commercialization of technologies.

By Hai Quan – Translated by Thu Hien, Thu Ha