Vietnam needs a three-tier network model to harness science, technology, digital transformation and innovation nationwide, said Khong Quoc Minh from the State Agency for Technology and Innovation under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

According to Minh, groundbreaking changes under the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation 2025 (Law No. 93/2025/QH15) and Resolution No. 193/2025/QH15 have created strong momentum for technological progress.

“For the first time, innovation is recognized as an independent concept in Vietnam’s legal framework,” he told a seminar on developing innovation and startup center networks on October 31.

Minh said the recognition provides a clear foundation to boost the science and technology market, commercialize research results and establish innovation centers and venture capital funds across the country.

"Enterprises must become the “core nucleus” of the national innovation ecosystem, focusing on five key pillars, including technological upgrading, productivity improvement, new technology creation, innovative entrepreneurship and a culture of innovation," said Minh.

To implement this vision, Minh proposed a three-tier network model consisting of national and regional hubs such as the National Innovation Center (NIC) and the National Startup Support Center (NSSC), specialized centers in key sectors including AI, cybersecurity, energy, biotechnology and new materials, and local innovation centers within universities and research institutes.

Supporting this model are six strategic solutions: standardization, digital infrastructure, institutional reform, investment attraction, human resource development and national-level leadership, the expert said.

Nguyen Phuong Linh, Executive Director of the Management and Sustainable Development Institute (MSD), shared international experiences such as the Dutch “Diamond Model", which has a four-pillar ecosystem - similar to Vietnam's existing three-pillar model.

Linh said the model would help government, enterprises, academia and civil society co-create solutions through shared investment, design and impact measurement.

Through this approach, the Netherlands has developed world-class innovation clusters like Brainport Eindhoven and FoodValley Wageningen, ranking among the world’s top five most innovative countries, Linh said.

She also mentioned Shinhan Square Bridge, a private innovation hub built by South Korea’s Shinhan Financial Group. The model combines incubation, acceleration and social impact and has been replicated in several regions in South Korea and Vietnam under MSD’s coordination.

According to Linh, MSD and its partners have built an ecosystem supporting more than 65 startups in education technology, environment and healthcare across Vietnam.

“Innovation is not just about technology but about building shared infrastructure of trust, knowledge and data. Progress comes from collaboration among centers and networks working toward sustainable development," Linh added.

From a practical perspective, Tran Quang Hung, Vice Secretary of the Hanoi Youth Union and Chairman of Vietnam’s startup incubator Hub Network and Vu Viet Anh, Chairman of Success Academy, shared experiences in connecting youth startup communities and linking EdTech and MarTech innovation ecosystems.

They agreed that these networks are expanding beyond the national level to encourage international cooperation and inspire young innovators to drive Vietnam’s transformation.

Le Toan Thang, Director of the National Startup Support Center (NSSC), said that his center serves as a bridge connecting businesses, research institutes, universities, social organizations and investors to build an innovation network and support national digital transformation.

He said forming networks of innovation centers is essential for connecting key players across Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem.

“A connected network linking enterprises, research institutes, universities, organizations and investors is vital to build a unified, open and sustainable ecosystem,” said Thang.

NSSC will continue to act as a coordinating hub, mobilizing resources and promoting cross-sector and cross-regional collaboration to strengthen Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem in line with global standards.”