Proposing a sandbox mechanism and a separate development fund for the Ho Chi Minh City National University urban area

Experts believe that the implementation of the Ho Chi Minh City National University urban area still faces many difficulties and institutional shortcomings. Building a comprehensive sandbox mechanism for the National University urban area is an urgent requirement.

Seminar on scientific mechanisms and breakthrough policies submitted to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council for approval on science, technology and innovation development at Ho Chi Minh City National University - Photo: CG

On October 30, the University of Economics and Law, Ho Chi Minh City National University organized a scientific seminar on breakthrough mechanisms and policies to be submitted to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council for approval on the development of science, technology and innovation at Ho Chi Minh City National University in the context of implementing Resolution 57 of the Politburo .

Long-term institutionalization of effective pilot policies

Speaking at the seminar, Associate Professor Dr. Do Phu Tran Trinh - Director of the Institute for Policy Development, Ho Chi Minh City National University - said that in the context of Ho Chi Minh City entering a new development stage as a central megacity of the region, the country and the region, the reconstruction of the smart urban model requires being based on the foundation of science, technology and innovation, while closely following the practical requirements of effective urban management, sustainable development and improving the quality of life of the people.

In the 2026-2030 period, Ho Chi Minh City can develop a smart urban model following the orientation of "digital government - digital urban - digital population - green growth", aiming to build a modern, transparent, efficient, environmentally friendly living environment and put people at the center of all decisions.

Associate Professor Dr. Do Phu Tran Trinh - Director of the Institute for Policy Development, Ho Chi Minh City National University - speaks - Photo: CG

In addition, the cooperation model between universities and urban authorities needs to be positioned as an essential mechanism, both contributing to promoting knowledge production and technology transfer, and helping to improve urban governance capacity on a scientific basis.

Therefore, Ho Chi Minh City needs to continue to improve its institutions, promote research and development programs, and strongly promote the strategic cooperation relationship between the university system and the urban government in the spirit of Resolution No. 57.

Speaking at the seminar, Dr. Nguyen Nhat Khanh - University of Economics and Law - stated that in recent times, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council has issued many important resolutions related to science, technology and innovation in its meetings. Notable among these are resolutions on attracting science and technology experts, supporting the innovative startup ecosystem and preferential tax policies for innovation activities.

However, after the merger, Ho Chi Minh City has become a regional megacity of 12.5 million people. This requires the expansion and adjustment of specific mechanisms to suit the new scale.

Ho Chi Minh City has proactively developed a project to amend and supplement Resolution 98 to submit to the National Assembly. It proposes additional outstanding policies such as a mechanism for selecting strategic investors in high-tech projects, and especially the establishment of Cai Mep Ha Free Trade Zone with strong non-tariff incentives to attract investment in logistics and high-tech industry of regional scale.

To continue promoting these policies, Dr. Nguyen Nhat Khanh said that Ho Chi Minh City should proactively propose that the Central Government institutionalize long-term pilot policies that have proven effective. For example, it is recommended to add regulations on local venture capital funds or stock exchanges for startups if the pilot is successful.

In addition to specific direct policies, Ho Chi Minh City also needs to improve the business and research environment in general, such as reforming business registration procedures and tax procedures for startups (in the direction of online and quick), and building an open government data system for businesses to exploit and create new services.

In addition, developing digital infrastructure (5G coverage, data center) and co-working space for the innovation community.

Promoting the Ho Chi Minh City National University urban area

MSc. Le Ba Duc - Institute for Policy Development, Ho Chi Minh City National University - presentation - Photo: CG

According to MSc. Le Ba Duc - Institute for Policy Development, Ho Chi Minh City National University, the Ho Chi Minh City National University urban area is oriented to develop into a "smart university urban area" that harmoniously combines training, research, technology transfer, culture and community services.

This is not only an educational space but also a knowledge center of the Southeast region, contributing to the promotion of science, technology and knowledge economy. This model reflects the trend of modern university development associated with smart urban areas and innovation.

However, the implementation of the Ho Chi Minh City National University urban area shows many difficulties and institutional shortcomings. The concept of "university urban area" has not been defined in the current legal system, and the coordination mechanism between the National University and local authorities has not been clearly established.

The laws on land, planning, investment and public-private partnership are not suitable for the characteristics of this model. These legal gaps cause many obstacles in management, investment, provision of public services and infrastructure development.

Therefore, experts believe that it is necessary to identify and legalize the university urban model and perfect regulations on managing shared data between Ho Chi Minh City and Ho Chi Minh City National University.

In addition, the construction of a comprehensive sandbox mechanism for the National University urban area is an urgent requirement. Based on Resolution 57 and Resolution 98, it is necessary to soon issue a separate pilot resolution, allowing the application of sandbox within the scope of the smart university urban area. This will be a controlled experimental legal framework, ensuring both encouragement of innovation and limiting risks when applying new models and technologies.

In addition, it is necessary to form a dynamic financial mechanism, harmoniously combining the state budget, social capital and business participation. The key solution is to establish a University Urban Development Fund, operating under the public-private partnership model.

Need for policy on ordering scientific research between Ho Chi Minh City and Ho Chi Minh City National University

According to MSc. Le Ba Duc, currently Ho Chi Minh City does not have a specific mechanism and policy allowing direct ordering of large-scale, long-term scientific and technological tasks for Ho Chi Minh City National University.

The effective implementation of the scientific research ordering mechanism will help connect the National University's knowledge system with the smart urban development strategy of Ho Chi Minh City in a practical and long-term manner. This is the foundation for building a "smart university urban area" model.

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THAO LE

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/kien-nghi-co-che-sandbox-va-quy-phat-trien-rieng-cho-khu-do-thi-dai-hoc-quoc-gia-tp-hcm-20251030170759365.htm