Universities: Leading the way in creating breakthrough solutions for green transformation and sustainable development.

The Party and State have clearly defined the strategic goal: to make Vietnam a developed, high-income country by 2045 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. To realize this "dual goal," the development of science and technology (S&T) and innovation, especially the close integration of green transformation and digital transformation, is identified as the core driving force.

The "twin" of green transformation – digital transformation

The National Strategy on Green Growth for the period 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050 (Decision No. 1658/QD-TTg) affirms the development orientation based on science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation. In this strategy, green growth and digital transformation are seen as a pair of "twins" organically linked: to be green, one must be digital; to be digital, one must be green.

Digital transformation helps optimize resource use, monitor pollution, optimize infrastructure operation, and develop sustainable production and consumption models through digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data. Conversely, sustainable transformation ensures a sustainable foundation for the digital infrastructure itself, as data centers, telecommunications systems, and cloud computing platforms can only develop sustainably if linked to renewable energy, clean energy, and a low-carbon economic model.

The goal of having the digital economy account for approximately 30% of GDP by 2030 is not only a growth target but also a "lever" to promote the greening of the economy and reduce emission intensity per unit of growth. However, for this "twin" to truly operate effectively, Vietnam is facing three major groups of challenges.

Firstly, there are barriers related to capital and costs. The majority of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), accounting for up to 97% of all businesses, face difficulties accessing funding for clean technology and sustainable production processes. High initial investment costs mean that many businesses still view environmental investment as a "mandatory expense" rather than a "strategic opportunity".

Secondly, there is a shortage of human resources and a knowledge gap. The number of experts and engineers with in-depth knowledge of ESG management, circular economy, environmental technology, renewable energy, smart agriculture , etc., is still very limited. Many stakeholders, especially small businesses, have not yet fully shifted their mindset from passively complying to actively seizing opportunities from the Green Development Initiative.

Thirdly, there are institutional and enforcement challenges. Although a comprehensive policy framework for green growth has been issued, specific technical guidelines, standards, regulations, and support mechanisms are lacking and fragmented. In emerging areas such as carbon credit markets, green business models based on digital technology , and policy testing mechanisms (sandboxes) have not been fully implemented, increasing risks for pioneering investors.

It is precisely in this context, with so many "bottlenecks," that the role of universities becomes even more crucial.

Universities – the knowledge pillars of green transformation

Universities and research institutes are the "knowledge heart" of the innovation ecosystem, playing a strategic role in three aspects: building a foundation of knowledge and behavior, research and development of technology, and connecting with the community and businesses.

First and foremost, through Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), universities help to cultivate a generation of "green" human resources – citizens with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes appropriate for sustainable development. Green education not only provides knowledge about climate change, the circular economy, and ESG governance, but also promotes behavioral change, encourages sustainable lifestyles, and responsible consumption. An interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary approach to training enables students to address complex issues such as the climate crisis, environmental security, and energy transition.

Secondly, many universities around the world have transformed their campuses into "living labs"—living laboratories for sustainable solutions. Green infrastructure, renewable energy, nature-based solutions, smart water and waste management models, etc., are implemented right within the university space, serving as both a practical environment and a visual demonstration of sustainable development.

In Vietnam, alongside strong participation in research and development (R&D), universities have begun to establish green startup incubators, closely linking academic research with practical applications. Many innovative startups in the fields of clean energy, sustainable materials, high-tech agriculture, etc., have emerged from university environments, contributing to the formation of a green business force for the future economy.

PTIT: Pioneering the application of AI and blockchain for green transformation.

The Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) is one of the pioneering institutions in training, research, and technology transfer in the fields of information technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. In line with Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in the development of science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, the Institute aims to become a "leading force" in creating core technology solutions to serve green transformation, while simultaneously building a green, smart, and innovative university model.

One exemplary solution is WoodID – an AI-powered ecosystem aimed at increasing transparency in the forestry supply chain. Developed as a mobile application and web platform, in collaboration with PTIT lecturers, the Forestry Department, the Forest Protection Force, the German International Cooperation Organization, and the Vietnam Forestry Science Institute, WoodID uses a deep learning model to identify wood species with a tested accuracy of up to 98.6%. Forestry and customs officials can use their phone cameras to quickly identify wood species on-site, even without an internet connection.

With a database of nearly 3,000 samples belonging to 260 wood species, including many endangered species under the CITES Convention, WoodID provides strong support for law enforcement, reduces trade fraud, and enhances transparency and traceability in the wood supply chain. From a green transition perspective, this solution helps the Vietnamese wood industry meet increasingly stringent requirements for sustainable development and improve competitiveness in high-end markets such as the EU and the US.

Along with WoodID, the P-Coin green credit system is another example of how PTIT applies digital technology to promote sustainable living in the university environment. P-Coin is an internal digital credit system based on blockchain technology, recording and converting positive behaviors of students and staff such as cycling, picking up trash, planting trees, donating blood, collecting electronic waste, and exchanging used items into "green points". These points can be used in internal activities and programs, creating a "digital financial playground" linked to social responsibility and environmental awareness.

P-Coin does not function as currency in the traditional sense, but is designed to comply with legal regulations, aiming to build a dynamic, civilized, and environmentally friendly academic community. The system's deployment on a scale of nearly 30,000 students, faculty, and staff helps to strongly promote a green culture, while also testing a blockchain application model in community governance, with the potential to expand beyond the campus in the future.

Simultaneously, PTIT continues to research technological solutions to build a "Smart Campus" – optimizing energy use, managing lighting, air conditioning, and environmental monitoring; autonomous waste collection devices on the water surface; and digital platforms supporting sustainable governance within the university. These efforts not only contribute to reducing emissions and saving resources but also form a "model" of a green and smart university that can be replicated.

Recommendation: Breakthroughs in green institutions and human resources.

Based on the practical implementation of models and solutions at PTIT and the higher education system, several recommendations can be drawn to further enhance the role of universities in creating breakthrough solutions for green transformation.

Firstly, institutionally, it is necessary to promptly establish and implement a regulatory sandbox for new green business models and technologies, especially in areas such as blockchain for carbon credit markets, digital environmental management platforms, and green data services. This will help reduce legal risks for pioneering initiatives while creating a flexible framework for new technologies to be tested, refined, and expanded.

Secondly, it is necessary to improve the system of standards and technical regulations on "green" practices across industries and products; effectively implement the "polluter pays" principle; and at the same time, establish mechanisms to encourage models, products, and services that make a substantial contribution to the goals of reducing emissions, restoring ecosystems, and improving environmental quality.

Thirdly, regarding human resources, it is necessary to accelerate reforms in higher education and vocational training towards interdisciplinary approaches, integrating content on green economy, ESG governance, environmental technology, renewable energy, big data, and artificial intelligence. Universities, including leading institutions like PTIT, should be assigned and supported in implementing pioneering training programs on "green workforce" linked to the needs of businesses and localities.

Fourth, strongly promote cooperation between universities, research institutes, businesses, and state management agencies. Mechanisms for commissioning scientific tasks, co-funding research, green startup incubators, and innovation centers in universities need to be designed in an open, flexible manner, closely linked to practical problems of industries, localities, and businesses.

Green transformation is a long, complex, yet opportunity-filled journey. On this journey, universities are not only places for imparting knowledge but also key players in creating technological solutions, nurturing human resources, and spreading a culture of sustainability. When given sufficient creative space and effectively connected with businesses, regulatory bodies, and the community, universities will truly become "knowledge engines," making a significant contribution to Vietnam's faster progress on the path to green, smart, and sustainable development.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/truong-dai-hoc-dau-tau-kien-tao-giai-phap-dot-pha-cho-chuyen-doi-xanh-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-197251210183652356.htm