Experience from Australia in innovation-based socio-economic development, and the difficulties in building an innovative ecosystem were shared at a workshop in Hanoi on October 8.

Illustrative image (Source: internet) 

The event was jointly held by the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the National Economics University (NEU), as part of the Australian Embassy’s Skills and Innovation Week.

Speaking at the event, NEU vice director Bui Duc Tho revealed that in order to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Vietnam, the university has established an innovative start-up centre with effective domestic and international cooperation.

He stressed the importance of close connections between renovation and science and technology, saying that this will contribute to the success of startup ideas, and the application of these initiatives in practice.

Joanna Wood, Education Counsellor of the Australian Embassy, said her country and Vietnam have a long-term and deep cooperation in education and many other fields.
However, the two sides need to change their cooperation method, focusing on enhancing links not only between their Governments, but also among universities, research institutes and innovative centres, towards promoting development in each country, she said.

According to the counsellor, the embassy has cooperated with the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) to share with Vietnam about a successful implementation model in Canberra in this field as well as exchange ideas and ways of linking research and innovation with entrepreneurship.

CEO of CBRIN Petr Adamek said the network has partnered with a range of programmes including startup promotion centres and incubator laboratories, benefiting over 1,000 entrepreneurs and small-and medium-sized-enterprises through research and education programmes.

CBRIN is working with leading universities, research institutes, companies and corporations to give advice to individuals and businesses about innovative programmes and to provide financial support for them.

At the workshop, representatives of Vietnamese businesses shared lessons from their startup journeys, helping inspire students and young people in forming and developing their own startup ideas.