When businesses need a "technology companion"

The application of science and technology and technological innovation is becoming a clear necessity in production, especially for small businesses and cooperatives. In reality, traditional models can still improve product quality, participate in wider distribution chains, and increase competitiveness by boldly adopting new technologies and advanced techniques.

The project includes 20 composite fermentation tanks, with a total investment of about 2.6 billion VND by Hai Hien Fish Sauce Cooperative, which has produced high-quality fish sauce products. Photo: PHAN VINH

Improve product quality from technology

In the traditional craft village of Cua Khe (Thang An commune), the Hai Hien Fish Sauce Cooperative used to adhere to traditional methods of fermenting fish sauce seasonally. In 2023, the cooperative boldly invested in a new production line with a heat-retaining glass roof, solar energy, and an automatic stirring system. The project includes 20 composite fermentation tanks, with a total investment of approximately 2.6 billion VND, of which over 800 million VND came from local industrial promotion and science and technology support.

The change initially worried cooperative members because it affected the traditional aspects of the craft. However, the trial results showed the opposite. The first two batches of raw materials, totaling about 80 tons of fish, yielded nearly 96,000 liters of fish sauce, double the previous output. The fish sauce was clear, fragrant, and had stable protein content. The fermentation process minimized flies and was less dependent on weather conditions. The processing environment was cleaner and easier to control according to food safety and hygiene standards.

Mr. Ha Van Hoa, Director of Hai Hien Fish Sauce Cooperative, shared: “Preserving the craft means preserving the flavor, but developing the craft requires technology. The new fermentation tanks maintain temperature well, are stirred evenly, and the fermentation time is shortened while the quality of the sauce remains the same. Stable product quality gives us confidence to introduce it into retail systems and large restaurants.”

The story of innovation at Hai Hien Fish Sauce Cooperative is not a rare case. Many medicinal mushroom production models in Hoa Vang commune used to rely on manual bagging, with productivity depending on manpower. After receiving advice on improving the drying, mixing, and layout processes, production has become more stable seasonally. In Lien Chieu ward, some seafood processing facilities have installed recirculating aeration systems to reduce material loss and save electricity compared to the old method. Although not large in scale, applying changes in production processes has yielded breakthrough results.

Create support mechanisms

Many businesses admit they want to adopt new technologies but are hesitant at the starting point, unsure of which areas to invest in or which equipment is suitable. In reality, besides a laboratory, a team with sufficient expertise is needed to enter the factory, identify bottlenecks, and address the problems the business faces right in the production facility. This is the role that the Center for Promoting the Development of the Science and Technology Market (SATI Tech - Department of Innovation) has been undertaking recently.

The center has developed a one-on-one technology consulting methodology, starting with on-site surveys, proposing improvement roadmaps, coordinating technology transfer, and monitoring the operational process to evaluate effectiveness. Over 100 experts from various sectors – mechanical engineering, automation, agricultural products and food, biotechnology, IoT, and digital transformation – are linked together for each specific problem.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, Director of SATI Tech, said that instead of providing general guidance in training programs and specialized workshops, experts directly stand beside the production line, observe the operational flow, point out areas where equipment can be streamlined, processes improved, or build production process maps. SATI Tech also organizes many training courses and mentoring for businesses, connects technology supply and demand, supports technology readiness assessment (TRI), designs equipment, and proposes investment plans suitable to the unit's resources.

“Many businesses want to innovate but don’t know where to start. We accompany them right at the factory, testing them directly on the production line. When businesses see improved output and reduced costs, they will be confident to continue investing,” said Mr. Thanh.

From a systemic perspective, Mr. Nguyen Truong Phi, Head of the Innovation System Management Department (Innovation Agency), believes that the challenge lies not in the idea itself, but in the path from research to the commercial market. Many projects remain at the laboratory level due to a lack of businesses willing to accept them or a lack of testing platforms before commercialization.

According to Mr. Phi, the Ministry of Science and Technology is researching expanding the technology sandbox testing mechanism, creating a risk control space for new products; developing public procurement policies that prioritize innovative products; supporting businesses in registering intellectual property and protecting inventions; and implementing a technology innovation support package for small and medium-sized enterprises.

In addition, the Ministry of Science and Technology aims to form a multi-layered innovation center, connecting universities - incubators - accelerators to businesses, shortening the time to bring products to market.

“Central Vietnam, especially Da Nang, has great potential in agricultural products, medicinal herbs, and maritime logistics. If the pilot policy is implemented correctly, businesses are boldly innovating, and consulting centers have sufficient expertise to support them, the innovation ecosystem will be smoother. We expect that many businesses will proactively seek technology consulting to improve product quality and expand their markets,” Mr. Phi said.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/khi-doanh-nghiep-can-ban-dong-hanh-cong-nghe-3314351.html