At a conference hosted by the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade, several memoranda of understanding (MOUs) were signed between leading local industrial enterprises and research institutions to bridge the gap between scientific research and its practical application in manufacturing.

An overview of the conference. Photos: Hoai Nam/The Hanoi Times

The MOUs include partnerships between the Knowledge Transfer and Startup Support Center and the Hanoi Association of Key Industrial Products Manufacturers (HAMI), as well as agreements with the Industrial Promotion and Development Consultancy Center (DOIT). Additionally, Phenikaa University has joined forces with the HAMI to enhance collaboration.

In his opening remarks on October 15, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade Nguyen Dinh Thang highlighted that the event provided a valuable opportunity for scientists and industrial manufacturers to meet, exchange ideas, and foster cooperation in technology transfer and the application of modern scientific advances in production. 

He noted that this collaboration is essential to meet the evolving needs of businesses.

Thang stressed that various policies have been implemented to help enterprises innovate and integrate scientific technology into their production processes, with the aim of improving labor productivity and enhancing competitiveness.

Hanoi has the advantage of being home to hundreds of prestigious universities and research institutes, which are staffed by top scientists who produce hundreds of valuable research projects every year. However, as Thang pointed out, many of these scientific works have yet to be effectively integrated into the operations of numerous companies, limiting their practical application and impact.

Speaking at the event, Nguyen Cong Cuong, Vice Chairman of HAMI, emphasized the great demand of  Hanoi's industrial enterprises in Hanoi for technological innovation and the application of modern high-tech equipment in their operations. 

However, he noted that despite the availability of locally developed technologies and equipment, high expenditure was being incurred on technology transfer and import of advanced machinery from abroad.

Cuong highlighted the many benefits of technology transfer from national universities and research institutes, including cost savings on raw materials and energy, reduced production times, increased precision and improved product quality. 

The Vice Chairman noted that the adoption of modern technology enables companies to meet stringent international market standards, expand export opportunities and minimize trade barriers.

During the conference, scientists and university representatives shared with enterprises their experience in technology transfer and modernization of machinery and production processes. The goal is to promote the modernization of production, increase labor productivity, and improve product standards, quality and accuracy while optimizing the use of raw materials and increasing competitiveness.

Local visitors at the 2023 Industrial Products Fair.

Currently, Hanoi boasts 289 products from 191 enterprises that are recognized as key industrial products. Through their business activities, these enterprises have positioned themselves as pioneers and important drivers of industrial development in the capital.

Every year, the city's major manufacturers of industrial products generate revenues of nearly VND200 trillion (US$8 billion), accounting for nearly 35% of the city's total industrial output value. Their export revenue is close to US$2 billion, and they provide employment for about 80,000 workers.

Under the key industrial product development program, Hanoi has supported industrial enterprises to strengthen cooperation and explore new partnership opportunities at home and abroad.

Acting Director of the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade Tran Thi Phuong Lan said the program aims to strengthen the development of key industrial products in Hanoi and position the capital as the country's economic hub.

In 2023, the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade recognized 33 products from 24 enterprises as key industrial items for the city.

The selected enterprises had a combined sales revenue of VND62 trillion (US$2.48 billion) and export revenue of over US$3.6 billion last year, seven of which had product sales revenue of over VND1 trillion (US$40 million) each.

Among them, seven were Vietnam's top 500 enterprises, and six were first-time applicants with seven new products.