Science and technology: Driving forces for knowledge-based economy development

The knowledge-based economy is a development model in which knowledge, technology, innovation, and high-quality human resources play a decisive role in economic growth.

Provincial leaders visit technology solutions at Techfest Dong Nai 2025. Photo: Hanh Dung

For Dong Nai, one of the dynamic industrial, logistics, and urban centers of the Southeast region, science and technology (S&T) are not just tools to support production but are gradually becoming endogenous driving forces, contributing to shaping a sustainable, modern development path, in line with the requirements of the new era.

An inevitable trend of the times

In the 2025-2030 term, Dong Nai province identifies S&T breakthroughs, digital transformation, and innovation as three pillars to promote sustainable growth. The goal of striving to increase the share of digital economy to over 30% of the province's GRDP has been included in the socio-economic development strategy, demonstrating the determination to transform knowledge and technology into a key productive force in the new economy.

Speaking at Techfest Dong Nai 2025, Comrade Le Truong Son, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee emphasized: Dong Nai aims to develop an S&T and innovation ecosystem, building a close network of links between components, from scientific research to technology transfer and market development. Digital transformation must be applied comprehensively, not only in state administration but also in economic production and social life, contributing to double-digit economic growth. S&T are key factors for Dong Nai to effectively exploit its locational advantages and resources, improve product quality, and build brands for the province's goods in domestic and international markets.

In reality, the application of S&T helps many businesses in Dong Nai optimize production processes, reduce costs, improve product quality, thereby increasing competitiveness in domestic and international markets. Achievements in automation, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and the Internet of Things are fundamentally changing traditional production methods, forming smart production models and smart factories. The goal is to increase competitiveness, serve global supply chains, and aim for sustainable development.

A typical example is Bosch Vietnam Factory in Long Thanh Industrial Park (Long Thanh commune). This is one of the pioneering factories applying modern technology in Vietnam. Here, automated production lines, real-time measurement systems, data analysis, and predictive maintenance are used to improve efficiency and product quality. The factory also integrates renewable energy solutions to reduce electricity consumption and enhance sustainability.

Or Henkel Vietnam - Bien Hoa Factory (in Bien Hoa 2 Industrial Park, Long Binh ward) has implemented a Smart Factory model at its adhesive production plant. The system connects data from the production process to warehouses, controls raw materials, helping to monitor efficiency and optimize processes. Digitization and connectivity make it easy for managers to track inventory, machine status, and flexibly adjust production according to market demand.

Not only in the industrial sector, S&T also play a key role in agriculture, services, healthcare, education, urban management, environmental protection, etc. The application of high technology in agriculture has contributed to increasing product value and promoting agricultural development in a sustainable manner. In the healthcare sector, digital technology and artificial intelligence are effectively supporting early diagnosis and accurate treatment; at the same time, facilitating medical examination and treatment registration, cashless hospital fee payment, thereby improving the quality of public healthcare.

According to Pham Van Trinh, Provincial Party Committee Member, Director of the Department of Science and Technology, the province is gradually forming a favorable environment to closely link the State - schools - businesses - research institutes. This is an innovative model that many localities across the country have learned from, with prominent activities such as: Techfest Dong Nai (an event promoting innovative startups, showcasing science and technology products, and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit among young businesses); Dong Nai Equipment and Technology Market (a place to display hundreds of technologies, equipment, and technological solutions, innovative products, connecting the supply and demand of technology between businesses, research institutes, and managers).

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Vinh Minh Thanh, a member of the Innovative Startup Advisory Board (under the Ministry of Science and Technology), commented: Dong Nai holds great advantages in industry, so it needs to focus on developing green industry and high-tech industry. Besides, with its available land fund and potential, high-tech agriculture associated with the green economy is also a promising direction, which can create new growth drivers for the province.

"The ultimate goal of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation is to improve the quality of life for the people. It is time for Dong Nai to confidently 'take off' with the 'wings' of science and technology and innovation, with a spirit of close cooperation, continuous innovation, and high determination from the entire political system and society."

Comrade LE TRUONG SON, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee

Focusing on developing high-quality human resources

The results of the Provincial Innovation Index (PII) in 2025, ranking Dong Nai 12th out of 34 provinces and cities nationwide, demonstrate the persistent efforts of Dong Nai province in organizing the innovation ecosystem, reflecting the increasing application of technology in management, production, and social life.

To achieve even higher results, Dong Nai province particularly emphasizes that the development of science and technology must always be linked to the development of high-quality human resources, not only in quantity but also in quality.

Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology Vo Hoang Khai said: In recent times, the province has promoted training programs, cooperated with universities and research institutes, and attracted talent to serve key areas such as information technology, biotechnology, AI, and high-tech manufacturing. STEM education and subjects related to Robotics are also being incorporated into the official curriculum by many schools in the province. This helps build scientific research thinking and foundations for students while they are still in school.

"Dong Nai has implemented the Digital Literacy for All Program to train digital skills and AI application skills for officials, civil servants, and public employees throughout the province. Many community digital technology groups have helped improve people's skills, especially in online public services and the use of smart devices," Vo Hoang Khai shared.

In addition to human resources, Dong Nai has also issued many programs and plans to promote the application of science and technology in production and business; support businesses in technological innovation, improving productivity and quality; and developing an innovative startup ecosystem. Many businesses in the province have boldly invested in new technologies, automated production lines, and applied digital transformation in management and operations.

The construction and development of industrial parks in a green, smart direction, attracting high-tech projects, supporting industries, modern logistics, etc., are opening up new directions for Dong Nai in the process of developing a knowledge-based economy.

Besides, Dong Nai is building a semiconductor industry development strategy with a focus on the Long Thanh Concentrated Digital Technology Park. This is a breakthrough field, promising to attract investment, bringing high intellectual content and added value. The Dong Nai Provincial Digital Transformation Project for the 2025-2030 period has been approved, affirming that the integration of digital data and digital technology into all production, business, and management activities is becoming an essential tool to create new value in the knowledge-based economy.

By Hanh Dung – Translated by Mai Nga, Thu Ha