Innovation is no longer a choice but an inevitable path for Vietnam to achieve sustainable and distinctive development amid a fast-changing world and global uncertainties.

Tran Cam Tu, Permanent Member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, made the statement at the 2025 National Creative Labor Festival this week.

Tran Cam Tu, Permanent Member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat (center in white shirt), visits the booth introducing garment products of Garment 10 Corporation JSC. Photos: Anh Kiet/The Hanoi Times

“Many initiatives, projects, and technical solutions have increased productivity, improve working quality, and enhanced socio-economic efficiency over the past years,” said Tu, who is also Deputy Head of the Politburo's Central Steering Committee for the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation

According to Tu, Vietnam now has 4,000 startup businesses, more than 200 investment funds, and nearly 140 startup incubators, accelerators and centers. The country rose to the 44th place in the 2024 World Innovation Index from the 76th in 2013.

He said that this is a testament to the intellect and dedication of the Vietnamese working class throughout 80 years of national building and development.

"It is the result of meticulous observation, hands-on experience at construction sites, factories, and production lines by ordinary people. They are responsible and passionate for their work, desire for renewal to help shape the country," said the official.

In addition, Tu urged government agencies, businesses and workers to further improve productivity, and harness the use of technolgies in production and sales.

According to Nguyen Dinh Khang, President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, the 2025 National Creative Labor Festival aims to honor workers and employees with intiatives that boost business performances.

The Vietnam General Confederation of Labor in April launched a campaign to arouse creativity in local labor federations, he said.

"Many workers have joined the movement. Their initiatives have saved hundreds of billions of Vietnamese dong for businesses, improved productivity and labor quality, and promoted the socio-economic sustainability," Khang told The Hanoi Times.

Nguyen Hung (right) with Hoang Lien Son Technical Ceramic products displayed at the festival. Photo: Anh Kiet/The Hanoi Times

He cited the central province of Nghe An as an example. Since 2023, 137 workers from the province have received the Creative Labor Certificate from the general confederation as their initiatives have helped improve the production process, increase labor productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

"The creative labor movement has helped our business increase labor productivity and improve competitiveness," said Nguyen Hung, technical manager at Hoang Lien Son Technical Ceramic Company in the northern province of Lao Cai.

Thanks to the National Creative Labor Festival, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor has encouraged workers to participate in initiatives and created a modern working environment, where each individual has the opportunity to maximize their creative potential, he told The Hanoi Times.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Ly, a worker at Canon Vietnam Co Ltd, had the initiative to build AI camera software to detect defective products when she was unlocking her phone via the facial recognition technology.

“I asked myself that is it possible to develop a tech that recognizes product defects? The AI camera project is a testament to using technologies to improve business efficiency and product quality,” she said.

Ly added that the project proves the spirit of creativity among workers: when given the opportunity, everyone can create real value.

"I'm feel motivated to join the 2025 National Creative Labor Festival. I hope to have more initiatives to contribute to my company and the Vietnamese economy," she said.

Policies to improve innovation among workers

Vu Van Hoan, Chief Engineer of PTSC Marine Mechanical Services Company, said that to promote creativity, it is necessary to have a leader's vision, a clear strategy and effective communication to employees so they see their role, responsibility and pride.

Authors who achieved the title of Creative Workers in 2024 receive 10 Certificates of Merit from the Vietnam Fatherland Front. Photos: Anh Kiet/The Hanoi Times

"National pride and self-esteem are very important to promote creative motivation," he said.

Do Van Chien, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front's Central Committee, proposed that government agencies study and amend legal policies, especially tax and financial policies.

He suggested that businesses invest in employee initiatives as a reasonable cost.

The chairman called on businesses to invest in sci-tech innovation, develop sustainable and high-quality human resources, and give worthy rewards to employees for their initiatives.

Enterprises should better use their R&D funds to support practical creative ideas, and develop an ecosystem with schools and research institutes to put workers' initiatives in practice, he added.

Chien advised that forum become a regular event for workers and employees to give their ideas, thus improving policies and working conditions.

The 2025 National Creative Labor Festival was an event that affirms workers' creativity and honors their initiatives to boost production.

It was among serial activities held to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2).

The event also featured 45 booths to showcase outstanding products and technical solutions that have embodied Vietnamese workers’ creative potential.

During the festival, the Vietnam Fatherland Front's Central Committee awarded 10 Certificates of Merit to the authors who achieved the title of Creative Workers in 2024.