On October 8, 2019, National Economics University in collaboration with the Australian Embassy and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam held a seminar on “Connecting innovation and entrepreneurship with science and research ”. The workshop is part of the Australian Government's ASPIRES1 initiative to create a forum for sharing knowledge and information, Vietnam's top priorities in the process of education and training innovation.
Attending the Conference, on the side of the school, there were Ms. Joanna Wood - Counselor of Australian Education, Australian Embassy; Mr. Petr Adamek - Executive Director of Canberra Innovation Network; Dr Pham Hong Quat - Director General, Department of Market Development and Science and Technology Enterprises, Ministry of Science and Technology; Assoc.Prof. Dr. Tran Xuan Tu - Head of Department of Science, Technology and Development Cooperation, University of Technology, Vietnam National University, Hanoi; Ms. Nguyen Nha Quyen - Director of Startup Ecosystem Development, Vietnam Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Fund; Mr. Eric Ha - Co-Founder of Student Life Care. From the National Economics University, there were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho - Vice Rector of the school; Dr. Dao Thanh Tung - Head of International Cooperation Department; with delegates, scientists interested in the Conference.
At the national level, innovation, entrepreneurship, and science and technology are considered an important driving force in promoting economic growth in the coming period, which is the key for the transformation of economic growth model of Vietnam, from the width-based growth model to the depth-based growth model.
Giving the opening speech at the Conference, Assoc. Bui Duc Tho - Deputy Principal of the school was pleased to welcome distinguished guests, delegates and scientists to the seminar on "Connecting innovation and entrepreneurship with science and research" on today. Assoc. Prof Rector shared, in order to contribute to promoting entrepreneurship in Vietnam, over the past time, National Economics University has established an innovative start-up center with many practical activities and domestic, international cooperative relationships. At the same time, the school also established a career in entrepreneurship development; Research activities are invested by the school with encouraging results. The rector emphasized that innovation, science and technology are not completely separate fields. If these areas are connected, the success of startup ideas will increase and early research results will be applied in practice.
Speaking at the Conference, Ms. Joanna Wood - Australian Education Counselor, Australian Embassy in Vietnam said that Australia and Vietnam have had a long-term and deep cooperation in the field of education and many others. Currently, the achievements of scientific research in the world have contributed 40% to global GDP, so the two countries need to change the method of cooperation to build a culture of innovation. The cooperation does not stop between the two governments, but also needs the cooperation between universities, research institutes and innovation centers of the two countries to develop on the basis of science and technology. Therefore, at this conference, the Australian Embassy connected to the Canberra Innovation Network (Australia) to share with Vietnam about the successful implementation model in Canberra as well as exchange ideas and link way between research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Also at the Workshop, Mr. Petr Adamek - Managing Director of Canberra Innovation Network said that the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) was launched in November 2014 with the support of local authorities and the cooperation between Canberra's world-class education and research organizations. Up to now, this network has partnered with a range of programs including startup promotion centers and incubator laboratories. The network has more than 38,000 visitors, helping more than 1,000 entrepreneurs and small and medium businesses grow through a form of education focusing on innovation. Unlike other environments, the network is suitable for collaboration, providing easy access to government and business leaders in science, research and education. Mr. Petr Adamek shared that the role of the Canberra Innovation Network is to coordinate with leading universities, research institutes, companies and corporations to advise individuals and businesses on innovative programs, and provide financial support for them. 50% of support funding comes from the Government, 50% from socialization. Experience has shown that developing the private economy helps reduce dependency and the public sector. When small and medium-sized enterprises cooperate, research and innovate together, they will create unique products suitable for the locality and society.
At the seminar, representatives of some Vietnamese businesses shared lessons from their startup journey, helping inspire students and young people in forming and developing startup ideas.