Linking theory with practical challenges

In implementation of Official Dispatch No. 7382/BKHCN-DMST issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Agency for Science, Technology and Digital Transformation under the Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued guidelines for a series of activities in response to the 2026 National Innovation Day, running from September 25 to October 5, 2026.

Under the theme “Innovation – A Driving Force for the Development of the Whole Society”, the overarching principle is that innovation must be closely aligned with the sector’s functions and political tasks while effectively addressing its practical challenges.

In terms of the economic growth structure, industry and trade constitute a multi-sectoral economic and technical field that plays a backbone role in the economy. Innovation therefore cannot remain a broad concept, but must focus on breakthroughs in key areas such as industrial production, energy, supporting industries, logistics, e-commerce, energy efficiency and cleaner production.

These are precisely the areas where process improvements, new technology transfer and the commercialisation of research outcomes can generate immediate added value for the economy.

For research institutes and universities under the ministry, the key task is to shift from “pure research” towards “demand-driven research”. Scientific research, training and experimentation must place businesses and the market at the centre, with priority given to transferable solutions capable of addressing technical bottlenecks faced by localities and enterprises.

Connecting the ecosystem and harnessing the power of communications

A key focus of the 2026 National Innovation Day, particularly the celebration held at the National Convention Centre on October 4, 2026, was to establish channels connecting technology supply and demand, attract investment resources, and promote multi-stakeholder cooperation among the State, research institutes and universities, businesses, and financial institutions. To ensure that this spirit takes root across agencies and units, policy communication plays a pioneering role.

Press and media agencies under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, together with partner media organisations, are proactively developing comprehensive multimedia communication strategies, ranging from in-depth articles, reports and panel discussions to infographics, podcasts and short-form videos.

Communication efforts focus on showcasing exemplary models and honouring scientists, engineers, managers and students with outstanding initiatives, while spreading practical values to bring about meaningful changes in both awareness and action.

Innovation should not be seen merely as an activity organised in response to a particular event. Rather, it needs to become a driving force generated by every idea, initiative, research outcome and new approach, all geared towards creating tangible value for the industry and trade sector and the whole society.

As the agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade responsible for state management of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation in the sector, the Agency for Science, Technology and Digital Transformation will continue to coordinate, connect and promote related activities, thereby contributing to the development of a science, technology, innovation and digital transformation ecosystem across the industry and trade sector.

By integrating emulation movements aimed at improving processes and the quality of public services with stronger applied research, the industry and trade sector is gradually building a sustainable innovation ecosystem.

Every small initiative and every research outcome successfully commercialised will contribute to shaping a modern, self-reliant and internationally integrated industry and trade sector.