Promoting innovation and digital transformation in businesses.

In recent years, many mechanisms and policies encouraging and supporting businesses to invest in research and technological innovation have been issued, having a positive impact in helping businesses improve productivity, quality, and the competitiveness of their products and services.

In 2023, Vietnam's Global Innovation Index (GII) ranked 46th out of 132 countries and economies , a 5-place increase compared to 2022. Vietnam is one of the seven middle-income countries that have made the most progress in innovation over the past decade. Furthermore, Vietnam is one of the three countries with innovation performance exceeding its development level for 13 consecutive years. Vietnam's startup ecosystem has risen from 5th to 3rd place among the top six economies in Southeast Asia.

At the forum "Innovation in the Context of Transforming Life and Sustainable Development" organized by the Journal of Economics and Forecasting, Deputy Director of the Department of Enterprise Development ( Ministry of Planning and Investment ) Trinh Thi Huong stated: Currently, policies and programs to support businesses in digital transformation have been issued quite comprehensively. Simultaneously, digital tools, platforms, and databases for digital transformation have been developed, and training in digital transformation for businesses and digital transformation consultants has been built and implemented. In-depth consulting support for businesses on digital transformation has also been provided.

"To date, more than 13,800 businesses in 63 provinces and cities nationwide have received direct training on digital transformation, and nearly 400 businesses have received in-depth support in building and implementing their digital transformation roadmaps. A network of more than 120 organizations and individuals providing solutions, consulting, and training in digital transformation has been screened, established, trained, and connected with the business community...", Ms. Trinh Thi Huong informed.

Innovation and digital transformation for sustainable agricultural development. Photo: VNA.

According to Mr. Do Tien Thinh, Deputy Director of the National Innovation Center (NIC, Ministry of Planning and Investment), after the enactment of the Law on Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, the Investment Law, and Resolution 98 of the National Assembly, the mechanisms and policies have become more comprehensive in terms of investment incentives for innovative startup projects and innovation centers (compared to the previous focus on incentives based on industry and location).

Representatives from the National Innovation Center (NIC) emphasized that providing investment incentives for innovation centers established by businesses is a major step forward in policy. Incentives for individuals (experts, workers in innovative startups) are receiving initial attention, and developing the innovation ecosystem and enhancing national innovation capacity are top priorities for many countries. Mechanisms and policies supporting funding and pilot (sandbox) mechanisms for innovation have received more attention, and several relevant legal documents are being studied and revised.

Based on practical experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Mr. Vuong Dinh Vu - Director of BuyMed, Vietnam Pharmaceutical Business Association, stated that the pharmaceutical industry is providing digital platforms and technical infrastructure to thoroughly address fragmentation, transition to new distribution models, and invest in technology transfer capabilities. Simultaneously, it is digitizing processes and promoting online distribution. As a result, the pharmaceutical industry has helped customers access over 30,000 pharmacies and clinics, saving 75% of time, 80% of working capital, and 50% of transportation costs.

However, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment's assessment, science and technology have not yet truly become a key driving force for socio-economic development. Businesses and investors still face many difficulties in implementing investment projects to develop and apply science and technology, and in bringing scientific and technological products to market. A large number of businesses have limited investment in science and technology, and the results have not been high.

Currently, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for over 97% of businesses in Vietnam, and innovation and digital transformation within SMEs still face many difficulties. According to Phan Thanh Ha, Director of the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Development Fund, to promote innovation among businesses in general and SMEs in particular, the Fund is supporting the following groups: innovative start-up SMEs, SMEs participating in industry clusters, and SMEs participating in value chains. Currently, the Fund supports SMEs through four forms: direct loans, indirect loans, capital financing, and capacity building support.

From the perspective of policy communication, Ms. Nguyen Thy Nga, Director of the Institute for Policy Management and Development Strategy, Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations, emphasized the necessity of digital transformation, innovation, and the application of technology in policy communication activities.

"The State needs to create favorable policy conditions for private enterprises to participate in policy communication activities and develop foundational technologies for storing, exploiting, disseminating, and developing policy communication data. At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen coordination with incubators and digital technology businesses to enhance the application of technology in the field of policy communication, especially in the production of communication products and the transfer of communication technology...", Ms. Nguyen Thy Nga suggested.

On May 11, 2022, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 569/QD-TTg on the "Strategy for the Development of Science, Technology and Innovation until 2030." This decision sets the goal of enhancing the contribution of science, technology, and innovation to economic growth through scientific research and technological development activities of research institutes and universities, technological innovation activities, and improved management and organizational capacity in enterprises.

According to baotintuc.vn

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