Bac Ninh: Promoting the application of science and technology in private enterprises

"Difficulty binds intelligence"

According to statistics, up to now, there are 45,37 thousand enterprises in the province. Of which, there are about 2,58 thousand foreign-invested enterprises (FDI). According to the Department of Finance's assessment, except for FDI enterprises, most are small and medium-sized enterprises, possessing modest capital. Many enterprises are slow to apply scientific and technological advances. The main reason is due to lack of capital and low level of production force.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Nga, Director of Thanh Phat Precision Mechanical Co., Ltd., checks the product.

For example, Bac Giang Ancient Ceramics Joint Stock Company, located in Da Mai ward, formerly Song Thuong Porcelain Enterprise (established in the 60s of the last century). When it was first established, Song Thuong Porcelain Enterprise mainly produced porcelain household items. After many times of changing its operating model, the enterprise has now become Bac Giang Ancient Ceramics Joint Stock Company. Currently, the unit specializes in producing imitation antique terracotta bricks. The manual production process with the old-fashioned furnace systems built in the 70s of the last century has become dilapidated. This type of furnace has a low chimney (from 7-8 m) and no smoke and dust treatment system.

The fuel used to burn ceramics is mainly coal and firewood. Smoke and dust pollute the environment. After many reports in the press, in 2023, the Company invested in a smoke and dust treatment system, but it broke down after just over a year. Currently, the company still burns bricks using the manual method that people used hundreds of years ago. The main reason for this situation is that Bac Giang Ancient Ceramic Joint Stock Company has limited capital, only applies experience to production, and is unable to invest in modern production lines.

Mr. Dinh Hong Quan, Chairman of the Bac Giang Mechanical Enterprise Association, said that the mechanical engineering sector plays a key role in socio- economic development and modern industry. The mechanical engineering industry creates machines, equipment and tools to support many other industries, helping to increase productivity, reduce labor, and improve the quality of life. However, not only Bac Giang Ancient Ceramic Joint Stock Company, but also mechanical enterprises in the province are facing the situation of "difficulties constraining intelligence". That is, lack of capital, lack of production space and high-quality human resources, making it difficult to invest in modern production lines. According to Mr. Quan, enterprises in general and mechanical enterprises in particular need to be facilitated in terms of loans, access to land, and especially technological innovation. Only then can they participate in the global supply chain.

Practical support

Identifying the private economy, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, as having an important position and role in socio-economic development, the State and local authorities have recently had many support mechanisms and policies. Support regulations are specified in the Law on Support for Small and Medium Enterprises 2017 and implementing documents such as Decree 80/2021/ND-CP of the Government, including many different forms of support: from finance, credit, tax, accounting to access to technology, production premises, human resource training, market expansion and legal consulting services, information.

According to the Department of Industry and Trade, in the period of 2021-2025, with the industrial promotion fund, Bac Ninh Industrial and Trade Development Center No. 1 and No. 2 (under the Department) have supported more than 100 enterprises to apply technology, machinery, equipment, and advanced management systems in production and business with a total budget of tens of billions of VND. Only at Bac Ninh Industrial and Trade Development Center No. 1 (formerly the Center for Industrial Promotion and Trade Promotion of Bac Giang province), it has supported 1 demonstration model of new product production techniques, film-coated plywood, in Luc Nam district (old); supported 73 rural industrial establishments to apply advanced machinery and equipment to produce products belonging to potential and strong industries in the locality such as: Agricultural and forestry processing industry, food and beverage; mechanical production and processing, handicrafts... with a total support budget of 18.6 billion VND. Through this policy, it contributes to changing awareness and improving production and business efficiency of entities.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Nga, Director of Thanh Phat Precision Mechanical Co., Ltd., Bac Giang Ward, said: In early 2025, the company was supported with 2 new, modern multi-cut wire cutting machines. The total contract value is 665.5 million VND, of which the company is supported with 300 million VND. Thanks to this cutting eye, the company produces plastic molding equipment with precise joints, almost absolute tightness, meeting orders requiring high precision. With 2 modern cutting machines, the company's production value is expected to increase by 60%/year compared to the time before purchasing the machine.

From 2022 to present, the Department of Science and Technology of Bac Giang alone (before the merger) has consulted, guided, and supported 15 enterprises to build and publish standards applicable to 24 products and goods; organized 2 training courses on knowledge and skills on technological innovation, technology management, intellectual property management of enterprises, intellectual property development with innovative startups, operational solutions for 240 enterprises, craft village production households...

Although some results have been achieved, according to the assessment of the Department of Science and Technology, activities to support private enterprises in applying science and technology still have limitations. There are not many projects to support enterprises in applying standards, tools, models, advanced management methods, declaring conformity and applying traceability.

Mr. Ngo Chi Vinh, Chairman of the Provincial Union of Science and Technology Associations, said that supporting the application of science and technology for the private economic sector is a necessary solution in the current period. However, the support needs to be substantial, avoiding exploitation, especially in granting the certificate of "Science and Technology Enterprise". The policies to support enterprises designed by the locality must be put into practice. In addition, enterprises need to focus on digital transformation; business owners need to raise awareness, convert production technology towards green, clean, and environmentally friendly direction to have the opportunity to participate in the global supply chain.

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