(MPI) - The Higher Education Leader Summit in the context of open innovation was held by the National Innovation Centre (NIC), Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Network of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (VNEI) on October 31.

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc addresses the event. Photo: MPI

The summit is a part of the programme “Human Resources for Innovation - Startup Ecosystem” (USAID WISE), which is sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in collaboration with the MPI’s NIC.

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc said that the summit aims to connect universities and colleges with the innovation ecosystem of Vietnam in order to create policy dialogue mechanisms and share experiences in innovation, entrepreneurship and incubation of young people.

She noted that Vietnam is actively fostering the development of an innovation and startup ecosystem, with the aim to become a dynamic ecosystem in the region. Science and technology, innovation and digital transformation are main driving forces in the country’s the socio-economic development strategy for 2021-2030. Vietnam has continued to focus on implementing three strategic breakthroughs in terms of infrastructure - institutions - human resources, especially high-quality ones.

Acting Deputy Director for Vietnam of USAID Kumar Lakhavani emphasised that innovation and digital economy are key factors to ensure Vietnam’s economic growth and position in the region. He suggested the country to improve its innovation capacity to meet the needs of the economy, adding that universities and colleges play an important role in the process.

Delegates at the summit focuses their discussion on ways to attract young intellectuals, and new programmes to maximise the effectiveness of training activities. They also proposed to strengthen information exchange, share experience between universities to promote the models of state, businesses, and investors, and discussed mechanisms and policies develop and attract teachers and postgraduates./.

Bao Linh

Ministry of Planning and Investment