Innovation requires innovative thinking and a culture of innovation.

2025 marks the fourth year that the Ministry of Science and Technology will organize the World Innovation Day celebration. The event will be attended by representatives from the United Nations in Vietnam; representatives from the embassies of several countries and international organizations in Vietnam; leaders from various ministries, departments, agencies, management units, localities, as well as research institutes, universities, and businesses.

Encouraging a spirit of "dare to think, dare to act, dare to innovate".

According to Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung, the Innovation and Creativity Day on April 21st encourages the spirit of "dare to think, dare to act, dare to innovate" throughout society, connecting creativity and innovation with sustainable development.

April 21st each year is designated by the United Nations (UN) as World Creativity and Innovation Day to raise awareness of the role of creativity and innovation in addressing sustainable development issues and promoting inclusive growth in all countries and at all levels of society.

Innovation requires innovative thinking and a culture of innovation (image 1).

Ms. Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, affirmed that digital transformation and innovation are considered top strategic priorities for Vietnam.

At today's ceremony, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung stated: "Innovation is often linked to technology. Creativity encompasses art, culture, education, and science and technology."

The Minister also emphasized that creativity and innovation should honor both those who conceive the ideas and those who realize them into practical changes, and that the concept of creativity and innovation should be broadened not only for the scientific and research community, but for the entire population, all fields, and all nations.

According to the Minister, the Politburo has assigned the Ministry of Science and Technology to develop a national startup project, the main content of which is to foster a spirit of innovation among the entire population, making innovation a way of life for all citizens and organizations.

Notably, this event takes place in the context of the entire country focusing on and decisively implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation, to leverage the combined strength of the entire political system, the active participation of businesses, research institutes, universities, and the people in promoting innovation activities to serve socio-economic development, ensure national defense and security, and improve the quality of life for the people...

Innovation requires innovative thinking and a culture of innovation (image 2).

The Minister of Science and Technology visits the exhibition space showcasing innovative products and digital transformation at the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology.

“Developing countries have low spending on science and technology, so they need to leverage innovation. If they rely solely on academic science and technology, developing countries will not be able to keep up with developed countries. Innovation allows them to utilize research and development achievements from elsewhere, combined with innovation in models, organizations, and product localization,” Minister Nguyen Manh Hung stated.

Building a culture of nationwide innovation is the core of success.

At this event, Ms. Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, affirmed: With Resolution 57, digital transformation and innovation have been considered a top strategic priority for Vietnam on its path to achieving high income by 2045.

“Vietnam’s digital economy currently accounts for 18.3% of GDP, growing faster than any other country in Southeast Asia. Almost all citizens have broadband coverage, and 5G is rapidly developing. However, gaps still exist…,” said Pauline Tamesis.

In rural areas, internet usage rates are 10% lower than in urban areas. Among women in remote areas, smartphone ownership is 26% lower than among men. And only 10% of girls aspire to pursue STEM careers, compared to 24% of boys.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is gradually reshaping economies and societies. In Vietnam, 54% of administrative agencies have adopted AI, but only 20% have ethical guidelines for its use.

Ms. Pauline Tamesis affirmed: The UN agency supports Vietnam by providing specialized analysis and advice on AI ethics and helping to strengthen governance frameworks. We are jointly developing projects to integrate AI into government services while ensuring no one is left behind. We are investing in education, green and digital skills training and career paths, and promoting inclusion – especially for women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.

In Vietnam, the National Innovation Center (NIC) has gradually affirmed its role as the national focal point for innovation, leading the way in connecting a complete innovation ecosystem for Vietnam. Mr. Vo Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director of the Center, shared: “The culture of innovation guides NIC to work alongside the community, connecting the three key models of ‘state - scientists - universities.’ At the same time, we have collaborated with many universities, technology companies, and large domestic and international corporations.”

Innovation requires innovative thinking and a culture of innovation (image 3).

Mr. Vo Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director of the National Innovation Center (NIC): “A culture of innovation guides NIC to work alongside the community.”

At this event, Mr. Nguyen Trung Kien, General Director of CNC Tech Group Joint Stock Company, a multi-sector industrial group including technology-based industrial products and services, shared his experience in implementing effective innovation activities at his company. He attributed his success to factors such as: the determination of the team, dedicated personnel, effective communication, and KPI evaluation.

Based on international research, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung emphasized: “Innovation is the key for developing countries to escape the middle-income trap. Innovation is a strategic gateway for developing countries to narrow the gap, optimize limited resources, and create practical value from what they already have to achieve rapid development.”

According to the Minister, innovation doesn't require investment in laboratories, but rather an innovative mindset and a culture of innovation. This is a more viable path for countries that lack the resources for in-depth research but possess the capacity for organization, adaptation, and social innovation... We need to create an innovation ecosystem where businesses can improve products to suit the domestic market, people can innovate in their own practical conditions, and the state supports the environment, institutions, and incentives so that innovation is not hindered, but rather facilitated and spreads.

April 21st is both Global Innovation Day and Vietnam's Innovation Culture Day. Vietnam not only develops science and technology but also fosters a nationwide culture of innovation. This aims to ignite a spirit of creativity among the entire population in the digital age, expanding innovation beyond laboratories to businesses, schools, offices, communities, and local areas.

According to the Minister, every year around this time, we will organize Innovation Week, launching the movement "Every citizen a new idea for improvement, every official and employee innovates from the smallest things." The themes for World Innovation Day 2025 are: “Innovation - Think differently, do differently for better”; “Innovation - Pioneering businesses - Prosperous nation”; “Innovation for all citizens - Comprehensive digital transformation - For a better life.”

Innovation requires innovative thinking and a culture of innovation (image 4).

The delegates attending the ceremony posed for a commemorative photo.

During the launch ceremony, additional stories about innovation were shared by representatives of businesses, student representatives participating in scientific research activities, etc. Innovation is the driving force of development, promoting innovation is promoting development, and planning for innovation is planning for the future.

Innovating scientific and technological activities to address major national challenges. Minister Nguyen Manh Hung affirmed: "Building a culture of innovation among the entire population will be the core element creating success for Vietnam's breakthrough in scientific and technological development, innovation, and digital transformation, as launched by the Central Party Committee and General Secretary To Lam."

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