Bringing innovation closer to residents

Local authorities are developing several innovation models and hubs, helping promote grassroots innovation and bring technological ideas, solutions, and support resources closer to residents and businesses.

Secretary of the Xuan Phu Commune Party Committee, Chairman of the Commune People's Council Lai The Thong visits exhibition booths at the Xuan Tien Hamlet innovation hub in Xuan Phu Commune.

The establishment of these innovation hubs is tied to the socioeconomic development tasks of each locality, creating additional direct channels that connect businesses, cooperatives, household businesses, and communities at the grassroots level.

New models rooted in local communities

In August 2026, the People’s Committee of Xuan Phu Commune launched innovation hubs and innovation clubs in three hamlets: Xuan Phu, Xuan Tien, and Lang Minh. These are the first grassroots innovation hubs and clubs established at the hamlet and neighborhood level in the city.

The hubs and clubs aim to promote technology adoption, digital transformation, and innovation, while supporting OCOP (One Commune, One Product) stakeholders, businesses, cooperatives, and cooperative groups in developing local specialty products, OCOP products, and agricultural models linked to ecotourism and experiential tourism.

Nguyen Van Son, Secretary of the Party cell and Chairman of the Xuan Tien Hamlet Innovation Club, said the club would gradually develop the hamlet’s innovation hub into a community-oriented venue for connection, knowledge sharing, hands-on experiences, and support in applying science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. The initiative is also expected to facilitate the development of high-quality, safe organic vegetable and rice production models, increasing the value of local specialties and contributing to the local economy.

Experts say that to maximize the effectiveness of grassroots innovation centers and spaces, local authorities need long-term strategic orientations, focus on developing innovation-related human resources, and organize practical activities tailored to the needs, strengths, and development conditions of each locality.

Vo Hoang Khai, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai City Department of Science and Technology, emphasized that Xuan Phu Commune had taken a different approach by locating innovation hubs not at administrative offices but directly in the hamlets. The move demonstrates the pioneering and creative role of local Party committees and authorities, while ensuring that innovation activities remain closely aligned with residents’ production and business needs.

Dong Nai aims to gradually establish a network linking the city to grassroots communities, creating spaces where businesses, universities, experts, and residents can participate in innovation, technology application, and digital transformation. In 2026, the city aims to have all 41 communes and wards establish at least one innovation hub or creative space tailored to local development needs.

Dai Phuoc Commune was also among the pioneers, establishing a commune-level innovation hub in early July 2026. Phan Chi Thao, Vice Chairman of Dai Phuoc Commune People's Committee, said the hub would assist residents and businesses with solutions related to innovation, intellectual property, and trademark registration. The locality plans to coordinate with relevant departments and agencies to improve the hub’s operations while investing in facilities and equipment, with the goal of gradually developing it into a full-fledged innovation space.

Building an innovation network

Innovation hubs and spaces at the commune and ward levels are expected to become places for discovery, connection, sharing, and the spread of ideas, models, and science- and technology-based startup projects.

Lai The Thong, Secretary of the Xuan Phu Commune Party Committee, Chairman of the Commune People's Council and Head of the Steering Committee for the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation, said the commune’s innovation hubs were established directly in the hamlets, the level closest to residents. This enables local authorities to promptly gather feedback and identify the needs of residents and businesses. The hubs also serve as open spaces that connect local innovation activities to the city’s and the country’s broader innovation communities.

The Party Committee and authorities of Xuan Phu Commune will continue supporting the hamlet-level innovation hubs and clubs in leveraging local strengths and improving their effectiveness through practical solutions, thereby contributing to local socioeconomic development.

According to Deputy Director Vo Hoang Khai, grassroots innovation hubs can only deliver real value when they have people directly responsible for operating them. Their activities, therefore, need to be closely tied to understanding residents’ needs, connecting communities, and ensuring substantive results.

The innovation network needs to be developed in a coordinated and locally appropriate manner, from the city level down to grassroots communities. The Department of Science and Technology has been tasked with leading the development of the city’s innovation system and innovative startup ecosystem. To ensure that grassroots innovation hubs develop sustainably and comply with current regulations, the department will provide local authorities with professional and technical support, establish operating standards, and connect them with expert networks.

By Hai Quan – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho