The extensive digital reach has turned Hanoi into an ideal testing ground for emerging technologies in smart transportation, e-government services, digital payments and e-health solutions. — Vietnam News
HANOI: With clear determination to lead Vietnam’s era of scientific and technological advancement, Hanoi is stepping up efforts to make science, technology and innovation the core driver of urban and economic growth.
In discussions at the second meeting of the 18th Hanoi Party Committee, policymakers emphasised that these areas must become the decisive engine of the capital’s sustainable development.
At that meeting, the Vietnam National University’s Hanoi rector, Hoang Minh Son, said that science, technology and innovation would be Hanoi’s strengths and called for annual specialised conferences to assess progress and embed a long-term strategic vision.
He specifically referenced the Hoa Lac area of over 1,000 ha as a proposed hub for major research institutes, innovation clusters and corporate investment, signalling the city’s intent to expand beyond its inner urban footprint.
Nguyen Thanh Son, secretary of the Party Committee of the Hanoi Universities and Colleges, underscored the goal of making the city a leading innovation centre in the region.
He urged the capital city to allocate seed funding to universities to build innovative ecosystems that extend to surrounding areas and harness participation from private enterprises and the community.
Director of the Hanoi Department of Science and Technology, Tran Anh Tuan, proposed including in the city’s Action Programme.
This is a dedicated push to develop intellectual property and intangible assets of enterprises, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), noting that the value of such assets has increased by more than 50%.
SMEs can receive assistance from the Hanoi Support Centre for Enterprises and Investment Promotion.
In recent years, the city has invested heavily in digital infrastructure, achieving broadband Internet coverage for over 95% of its nearly 10 million residents.
This extensive digital reach has turned Hanoi into an ideal testing ground for emerging technologies in smart transportation, e-government services, digital payments and e-health solutions.
Strong local demand has encouraged domestic and international technology companies to deploy products and services in the capital.
This has resulted in nearly 1,200 information technology firms and thousands of other enterprises in innovation-driven sectors contributing significantly to urban economic value.
Its innovation ecosystem continues to expand. The Hoa Lac High-Tech Park has attracted major technology corporations, including Viettel Group, FPT Corporation and VNPT. — Viet Nam News/ANN
