Building local innovation spaces

Localities across Dong Nai are formulating plans to establish innovation centers and innovation spaces aimed at strengthening networking activities and technology transfer.

These innovation spaces are envisioned as hubs for seeking, connecting, sharing, and promoting ideas, models and start-up projects based on science and technology foundations.

Youth union members, young people experience digital technology and innovative products at a science and technology exhibition in Dong Nai.

A rollout across many localities

According to the Dong Nai Department of Science and Technology, the city is accelerating the establishment of several strategic institutions, including the Dong Nai Innovation and Digital Transformation Center, while completing procedures to develop an Innovation Zone in Binh An Commune and a Science, Technology and Innovation Park in Dong Xoai Ward. At the same time, one of the city's major objectives for 2026 is for each of the 41 wards and communes across the city to establish at least one innovation space or hub.

In recent times, Trang Bom Ward and Tri An Ward, both included in the list of localities expected to roll out innovation spaces, have organized workshops outlining plans to establish innovation spaces and centers, while building local innovation and innovative start-up networks.

According to the orientation to establish innovation spaces and centers in the above-mentioned wards, a key feature of the proposed model is its streamlined, flexible, and efficient governance structure, designed to maximize existing resources without creating additional staffing requirements.

Nguyen Van Manh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tri An Ward, said the innovation space will serve as the core of the ward's innovation and innovative start-up ecosystem by supporting innovative ideas and entrepreneurial projects, connecting science, technology, digital transformation, and business resources, while enhancing local governance, administrative reform, the digital economy, the digital society, and digital government, contributing to the goal of developing Tri An ward into a civilized, modern and sustainable locality.

The innovation space in Tri An Ward will follow an open, modern model featuring a co-working space, a technology exhibition area, a digital transformation experience zone, and venues for networking among government, businesses, experts, and local communities.

Similarly, the draft proposal for the Trang Bom Innovation Center envisions a hub that introduces and promotes innovative ideas, scientific and technological applications, digital transformation, innovation solutions, and artificial intelligence to support local socio-economic development. The center will also help establish and developinnovation and innovative start-up networks while assisting residents and businesses from the start-up phase through comprehensive development, contributing to advancing the digital economy, digital society, and enhancing public service quality.

Trang Bom Ward has been identified as a key ward focused on economic development towards industrialization, modernization, and logistics development for Dong Nai City, boasting active digital economy and society sectors. However, local resources have yet to be fully unlocked, while linkages between academic institutions, enterprises, citizens, and investors lack coordination and cohesion. Consequently, establishing a hub for innovation, startup support, and science-technology development in the ward is considered essential.

Vo Hoang Khai, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology, emphasized that local governments should strengthen partnerships with technology companies, financial institutions, and universities.Telecommunications providers and digital platform companies can contribute digital infrastructure, software, and digital skills training. Banks can assist with digital payment and financial consulting services for household businesses and start-ups. Meanwhile, universities can provide experts, student participation, research projects, consulting services, and business incubation programs.

Unlocking local strengths

Experts believe innovation spaces andinnovation centers must be managed with practical and measurable objectives tailored to each locality's specific development needs. Performance indicators should include the number of people receiving training, businesses adopting digital transformation, products launched on digital platforms, innovative ideas submitted, projects receiving consultancy support, and networking events organized.

Nguyen Van Tan, Vice Rector of Lac Hong University, said that for local innovation centers and innovation spaces to operate effectively, they must be guided by a long-term strategic vision. Local authorities should prioritize human resource training and implement practical, targeted programs while ensuring that innovation centers provide basic support services, including legal advisory assistance, project promotion, product prototyping and demonstration, support for businesses and household businesses in accessing markets and expanding e-commerce, as well as guidance on policies, regulations, and legal frameworks related to entrepreneurship and innovation.

At a workshop on establishing the Tri An Ward Innovation Space in July 2026, Dang Van Nhien, Deputy Director of Viettel Dong Nai, said that building an effective innovation space requires the coordinated participation of three key stakeholders: the government, technology enterprises, and businesses, household businesses, and people. Under this model, the government, particularly local authorities, plays the role of an enabler by formulating regulatory frameworks and policies, creating a favorable environment and leading the process of digital transformation and innovation.

Technology enterprises should invest in digital infrastructure, develop digital platforms, and provide technological solutions while working alongside local authorities and communities throughout the digital transformation process. Meanwhile, local businesses, household businesses, and residents will be the primary users of technology in production, business operations, and everyday life. They also serve as the driving force behind new value creation, innovative business models, and local initiatives. When the “three stakeholders” share a common vision, act together, and demonstrate strong commitment, innovation will truly become part of daily life and serve as a sustainable engine of local development.

“The success of digital transformation and innovation should not be measured by the number of software systemsdeployed or installed, but by the effectiveness of government administration, the growth of businesses, and the satisfaction of people. That is precisely the goal Viettel strives for in supporting local governments,” Dang Van Nhien emphasized.

Vo Hoang Khai, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Department of Science and Technology, said that the development of the innovation network should be carried out in a coordinated and appropriate manner from the city level down to the grassroots level. Each locality should gradually establish innovation hubs suited to its own conditions. While implementation models do not need to be identical, they should share the common goal of helping residents and businesses apply science and technology, digital transformation, and innovation to improve productivity and foster new initiatives. Innovation spaces at the commune- and ward- level should be closely aligned with local socio-economic development priorities.

Communes and wards piloting innovation hubs should also focus on fostering a culture of innovation within their communities. Local authorities need to create an environment that encourages residents to propose new ideas, empowers public officials to experiment with new approaches, enables students to engage in creative learning experiences, supports businesses in testing innovative solutions, and connects cooperatives with experts and market opportunities.

By Hai Quan - Translated by Mai Nga, Thu Ha