Innovation-particularly crucial factor for Viet Nam in new era: Prime Minister

Addressing the Innovate Viet Nam 2024, which also marked the 5th anniversary of the National Innovation Center (NIC) on Tuesday, Pham emphasized the need to focus on perfecting institutions, especially policies to encourage businesses to invest in science and technology, innovation, and ensure access to financial resources and infrastructure necessary for development.

The country needs to increase investments in developing infrastructure systems, remarkably strategic transport infrastructure, energy, digital infrastructure, telecommunications infrastructure, data infrastructure, and infrastructure serving for education and training, he said.

Pham called for developing high-quality human resources, with a focus on strengthening coordination and linkages between universities, research institutes, and businesses and fostering the implementation of a program to train 50,000 high-quality engineers in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor.

It is also necessary to attract more financial investment sources for research and development of AI, semiconductor industry, green energy, and create a foundation for sustainable development from the State budget, businesses, people, domestic and foreign organizations, reiterated the Prime Minister.

The Government chief underscored the need to strengthen and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of national governance, including the establishment of a modern and standard national governance system, and creating a favorable environment to promote innovation among people and businesses.

Viet Nam needs to enhance international cooperation with regard to transfer and application of modern technology, and research and development and uphold the nation's role in promoting the development of global science and technology and innovation, he stated.

The event, jointly organized by the Ministry of Planning and Investment and relevant ministries and agencies from October 1-2, saw the participation of 1,500 in-person delegates, and 10,000 online delegates.

It features a technology exhibition and experience area with more than 100 booths showcasing the latest advancements in various fields, including artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology and green energy.

To date, Viet Nam has 4,000 startups, 208 investment funds, 84 incubators, 35 business promotion organizations, and 20 creative startup centers.

In the Southeast Asia region, Viet Nam's startup ecosystem continues to hold the 5th position and is ranked 12th in the Asia-Pacific region. Meanwhile, Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City are among the top 200 global startup ecosystems./.