Suggesting new thinking in the era of artificial intelligence and sustainable development

Experts attend a panel discussion on open innovation in the semiconductor industry in emerging markets.

The Open Innovation International Conference 2025 (OIC 2025) opened on the morning of December 1 and closed on December 2 at VinUniversity (VinUni), marking the second year of the annual event that brings together intellectual forces from the public, private and academic sectors domestically and internationally.

With the theme “Open Innovation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sustainable Development”, this year’s conference continues to expand in scale, delving into multidisciplinary, practical and strategically oriented discussions.

OIC 2025 is organized by VinUni University, represented by the Green and Smart Transformation Center (GREEN-X) in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology , Saïd School of Business (Oxford University), SC Johnson Business School (Cornell University) and the Center for International Development (Duke University).

The event demonstrates VinUni's commitment to contributing to building an open innovation ecosystem, connecting international knowledge with Vietnam's sustainable development needs.

This year’s conference attracted the participation of leading management agencies, policymakers, academics and businesses, sharing new research and solutions on artificial intelligence, robotics, green technology, renewable energy, circular economy , semiconductors and digital healthcare. Multidisciplinary perspectives aim to create breakthrough directions, enhance cooperation and contribute to the implementation of Vietnam’s Net Zero commitment.

The highlight of OIC 2025 is the presence of two globally influential keynote speakers: Professor Chenming Hu, the “father of FinFET”, who laid the technological foundation for most modern semiconductor chips, and Professor Wim Vanhaverbeke, one of the leading scholars on open innovation.

Professor Ermias Kebreab, Associate Dean for Global Partnerships, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (USA); Director of the World Food Center, University of California-Davis delivered the opening speech at the workshop.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Professor Ermias Kebreab, Associate Dean for Global Cooperation, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (USA); Director of the World Food Center, University of California-Davis, emphasized the spirit of open innovation, considering it as “a shift from ownership to sharing, from unipolarity to multipolar cooperation”.

He highly appreciated VinUniversity as a new intellectual highlight. Referring to the contributions of Professor Chenming Hu, he affirmed that FinFETs technology is “a fundamental breakthrough that helps save energy and opens the era of high-efficiency chips”, along with the BSIM model that has nurtured the global semiconductor ecosystem.

“Innovation must be linked to people and co-creation,” he said, believing that OIC 2025 will continue to create positive transformation momentum.

In his speech, Professor Chenming Hu affirmed the importance of open innovation for the semiconductor industry. He commented that semiconductors are “the foundation for all modern devices, from computers to AI, and it is the ability to continuously innovate on an open platform that has created breakthroughs in semiconductor technology."

The professor stressed that the shift from a closed integration model to an open foundry-fabless model, like TSMC, has “fostered broad participation and rapid innovation,” opening up opportunities for thousands of companies to develop.

Open standards like BSIM and FinFET technology not only improve energy efficiency but also reduce emissions, demonstrating the sustainable value of open innovation, he said. “Universities must share knowledge for truly pervasive innovation,” he noted, contributing to the building of a global innovation ecosystem.

Mr. Chenming Hu, “father of FinFET”, Professor Emeritus TSMC, University of California-Berkeley shared at the conference.

In addition to the keynote speeches, OIC 2025 organized two roundtable discussions on open innovation in the semiconductor industry and business model innovation in the digital age, with the participation of experts from the Ministry of Science and Technology, University of California-Berkeley, University of Antwerp and Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

The sessions provide a comprehensive picture of policy, technology and markets in strategic sectors.

Parallel discussion sessions revolve around open innovation in the AI era and sustainable development, including: Digital health and precision medicine; AI strategy and innovation ecosystem; Sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation; Smart green technology; Digital transformation, Sustainable corporate governance and Regional development.

Researchers present the latest results on smart medical sensors, digital infrastructure, circular economy, smart transportation, renewable energy, green finance and corporate green transformation strategies.

Delegates attending the event took a souvenir photo.

Along with that are thematic sessions on Green Transformation, the launching ceremony of the Regional Innovation Index, and a poster exhibition introducing green-sustainable initiatives and solutions.

The activities are led by a team of prestigious scholars such as Professor David Reibstein (University of Pennsylvania), Professor Ermias Kebreab (University of California - Davis), Professor Laurent El Ghaoui (VinUni University) along with many international experts and business representatives.

With the gathering of leading experts and the support of prestigious academic partners, OIC 2025 continues to affirm the role of VinUni University as a center for connecting global knowledge, promoting open innovation, and strongly contributing to the goal of green, sustainable and prosperous development of Vietnam in the new technology era.

PHAN THACH

Source: https://nhandan.vn/goi-mo-tu-duy-moi-trong-ky-nguyen-tri-tue-nhan-tao-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-post927218.html