Open social innovation: Unleashing the power of community

(Chinhphu.vn) - Vietnam needs an open cooperation model, the application of community data, the development of a workforce with new thinking, and the promotion of social-technological initiatives to address major challenges such as urbanization, the environment, population aging, and sustainable growth.

Mr. Pham Hong Quat, Director of the Department of Startups and Technology Enterprises ( Ministry of Science and Technology ), speaks at the workshop - Photo: VGP/TG

Within the framework of the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Festival (TECHFEST Vietnam) 2025, on December 12th, the Department of Startups and Technology Enterprises, Ministry of Science and Technology, organized the workshop "Open Innovation in Society – Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the Entire Population".

TECHFEST 2025 is a significant highlight during the period when the whole country is reviewing the implementation of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation.

Resolution 57-NQ/TW emphasizes the role of citizens, businesses, and social organizations as central actors in the innovation ecosystem. These guidelines require promoting multi-stakeholder cooperation models, leveraging open data, implementing policy testing (sandboxing), and applying socio-technological solutions to create sustainable and inclusive value.

Open innovation – the key to solving the problem of sustainable development.

Mr. Pham Hong Quat, Director of the Department of Startups and Technology Enterprises, emphasized that open innovation is the driving force helping Vietnam overcome many challenges such as the middle-income trap, population aging, environmental pollution, and urban pressure. Taking the image of Saint Giong as inspiration for TECHFEST 2025, he believes that collective strength and a spirit of unity will be the foundation for a strong startup ecosystem.

He emphasized that the coordinated implementation of the Open Social Innovation Community at TECHFEST 2025 will contribute to creating technological solutions with practical value for many community groups.

The Department of Startups and Technology Enterprises is committed to working alongside open social innovation communities and related associations to promote rapid, sustainable development models and to foster green, smart cities.

Ambassador Kees van Baar of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Vietnam highly appreciated Vietnam's efforts in promoting nationwide innovation and digital transformation. He emphasized that technology must be linked to people and ensure equal access for all vulnerable groups.

According to the Ambassador, innovation only takes place in an open society where everyone is free to experiment and create. He affirmed that the Netherlands will continue to support Vietnam in innovation and sustainable development initiatives.

Workshop “Open Social Innovation – Promoting Nationwide Innovative Entrepreneurship” - Photo: VGP/TG

Opening up the space for innovation – connecting real needs and real data.

At the workshop, Ms. Nguyen Phuong Linh, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Development Management Research (MSD), analyzed the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Vietnam, noting that it still faces many barriers related to data, cooperation mechanisms, and impact measurement. According to her, Vietnam needs to focus on four pillars: Innovation – Openness – Connectivity – Inclusion, along with the spirit of "Soaring Up".

Ms. Nguyen Phuong Linh emphasized that innovation lies not only in advanced technology, but also in the ability to create space for people to participate in co-creating solutions. When disadvantaged groups such as people with disabilities, women, the elderly, or students in remote areas are involved in creating data and providing feedback, innovative solutions will become more practical, equitable, and sustainable.

From a business perspective, Mr. Sun Sukkun, Director of Shinhan Square Bridge, shared his experience in implementing an open innovation model in Korea and Vietnam. This model functions as an interdisciplinary platform where startups and the community collaborate to design and test solutions. He emphasized that open communication and a team of mentors are crucial factors in helping startups effectively cooperate with large enterprises, aiming for economic value linked to social impact.

Ms. Le My Nga, Chairwoman of WeAngels Capital, believes that Vietnam's innovation ecosystem is developing strongly, but startups need to focus on creating real value and understanding community needs. Innovation, according to Ms. Nga, is a vital factor in the first two years of a startup and must be linked to a suitable governance model, aiming towards ESG goals.

The opinions and suggestions at the workshop will serve as an important foundation for TECHFEST 2025 to continue promoting an open social innovation ecosystem, aiming for sustainable, inclusive development and the participation of all citizens.

Also at the program, the TECHFEST Social Open Innovation Community officially introduced the SOAR (Social Open Innovation for All Resilience) initiative – a Social Open Innovation model that promotes a responsible collaborative ecosystem in Vietnam.

Thu Giang

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/doi-moi-sang-tao-mo-xa-hoi-kich-hoat-suc-manh-cong-dong-102251212163028832.htm