Breakthrough development in science, technology, and innovation

The development of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation; the acceleration of administrative reform; and the building of a professional, modern public administration system associated with the development of digital government, digital economy, and digital society are among the three breakthrough tasks identified at the 1st Congress of the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee for the 2025–2030 term.

Science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation are key driving forces of socio-economic development, contributing to the promotion of local growth in the new term.

PILLARS FOR ESTABLISHING A NEW GROWTH MODEL

The Political Report of the Executive Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, presented at the 1st Congress of the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee for the 2025–2030 term, outlines eight key solution groups for implementing the congress’s resolution throughout the term. Among them is the solution of transforming the growth model, driven by science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, the sharing economy, and the knowledge-based economy. At the same time, the province is prioritizing breakthrough development in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation across all sectors. Efforts include increased investment in science and technology, as well as digital infrastructure, the establishment of innovation centers and high-tech zones, and the promotion of the digital economy and digital society.

Huynh Thi Hang, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Provincial Fatherland Front Committee, along with Tran Van Mi (wearing a tie, front row), Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Council, and other delegates visit the digital technology exhibition at Techfest Dong Nai 2025. Photo: Hai Quan

Pham Van Trinh, Member of Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Dong Nai Department of Science and Technology, emphasized that prioritizing science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as strategic breakthroughs is a sound policy, aligned with current global development trends. These pillars will enable Dong Nai to establish a new growth model, enhance productivity, quality, and competitiveness, while achieving the goal of double-digit growth during the 2025–2030 period. The province’s science and technology sector is committed to maximizing responsibility, solidarity, and creativity in promptly implementing the congress’s resolutions, contributing to the province’s rapid and sustainable development.

According to many experts, Dong Nai possesses numerous conditions and potential to promote the development of science and technology, digital transformation, and build an innovation ecosystem. Its strategic geographic location and role as a gateway to the Southern key economic region facilitate connectivity in trade, logistics, and e-commerce. Many of the province’s economic sectors, including e-commerce, Industry 4.0, smart logistics, and high-tech agriculture, have strong potential for deploying digital platforms and advancing science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Moreover, Dong Nai is one of the localities with many industrial parks and reputable universities, providing favorable conditions for developing science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation locally.

According to the Department of Science and Technology, the province currently hosts 88 innovation enterprises, 16 science and technology enterprises, and a network of industrial parks with over 1,800 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects. Additionally, Dong Nai has six universities and university branches, 13 colleges, and around 60 vocational education institutions, serving as a crucial source of human resources for various economic sectors.

The Provincial People's Committee has proposed nine major challenges for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in Dong Nai for 2025. These challenges include utilizing high-resolution satellite imagery to manage and monitor land use across the province, as well as developing local or niche AI applications for sectors such as science and technology, agriculture and environment, healthcare, construction, and urban management. The plan also includes developing urban growth forecasting platforms, smart logistics connectivity in the Long Thanh and Nhon Trach areas, and creating technology maps for five key industrial sectors.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Vu Quynh, Vice Rector of Lac Hong University (Tran Bien ward), shared that one of the key solutions for Dong Nai to successfully develop science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation in the coming period is to grow digital human resources and enhance effective collaboration between the State, research institutes/schools, and businesses. He emphasized the need for synchronized digital infrastructure, especially open data and information connectivity. Enterprises must shift their management mindset to become data-centered. At the same time, digital government should create a favorable, transparent environment that encourages innovative businesses.

SYNCHRONOUS IMPLEMENTATION OF MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS

Dong Nai province has been actively implementing a range of specific, targeted measures to carry out Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthrough development in national science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation at the provincial level. The province consistently identifies citizens and businesses as the central focus of digital transformation, innovation, and science and technology development. This approach serves as a foundation for socio-economic development, aiming to improve both the material and spiritual well-being of the people, promote sustainable business growth, and enable proactive integration into the global economy.

In the coming period, Dong Nai province will continue to focus on developing high-quality human resources and establishing policies to attract talented individuals and experts in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Relevant departments, sectors and units are expected to promptly advise and propose mechanisms to support innovative start-ups and to facilitate close collaboration between the State, businesses, and research institutes/schools, promoting the “three-house” model in science and technology transfer and the practical application of technology.

Vo Tan Duc, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee

Truong Van Thanh, Director of Nhu Hoang Agricultural Trade and Service Cooperative (Tho Son commune, Dong Nai province), emphasized that investing in and applying technology to enhance production efficiency plays a vital role. The cooperative hopes that in the near future, local authorities will step up programs and policies to support businesses and OCOP (One Commune One Product) participants in areas such as access to capital, knowledge enhancement, and skills training, enabling the implementation of automated production models and high-tech applications in manufacturing. The cooperative also seeks to strengthen connections with government agencies and enterprises to promote science and technology and advance digital transformation in production.

Pham Van Trinh, Director of the Department of Science and Technology, emphasized that for science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation to truly become key driving forces contributing to Dong Nai achieving double-digit GRDP growth, the department proposes focusing on five strategic solutions including: developing high-quality human resources; perfecting mechanisms and policies; attracting investment and establishing technology zones; developing modern and secure digital infrastructure; and selecting and developing strategic technologies.

Technology product booths at a seminar on artificial intelligence applications organized by the Dong Nai Department of Science and Technology. Photo: Hai Quan

In particular, the province focuses on developing a high-quality workforce, with an emphasis on building and implementing the Human Resource Development Project for Science and Technology and Digital Transformation through 2030. International cooperation in high-tech workforce training will be strengthened, with a particular focus on sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and cybersecurity. The Mass Digital Literacy Movement will be promoted to help people easily access basic digital skills.

Dong Nai will enhance its mechanisms and policies, issuing strong and preferential measures to encourage businesses to invest in research and development, as well as technological innovation. The province will focus on significantly increasing the number of science, technology, and innovation enterprises, while supporting the establishment of R&D centers within businesses and universities.

The province will attract investment and establish technology zones. Priority will be given to completing and putting into operation digital technology parks and high-tech zones, particularly the Long Thanh Digital Industrial Park, as well as establishing a technology transfer center to preserve and utilize genetic resources, supporting high-tech agriculture. Investment will also be sought in semiconductor, AI, and renewable energy projects connected to Long Thanh International Airport.

By Hai Quan – Translated by Dang Huyen, Minho