That it is high time for Da Nang to build its own innovation and startup centre as soon as possible was a joint constructive recommendation made by many economic experts at a recent seminar in Da Nang. Held by the municipal Authority of the Da Nang Hi-tech Park and Industrial Parks, the event discussed pilot mechanisms and policies to promote innovation and startup in the city.

A corner of the Hoa Khanh IP, which is on track to become an eco-IP to promote innovation and startup

At the seminar, the participating delegates enthusiastically proposed many suggestions for the city authorities on practical directions to build the most complete and reasonable scenario for the implementation of building itself into an innovation and startup urban area. 

In particular, there were many good ideas received high consensus, including the local authorities’ proactive role in becoming the first testers for startup products, and the rebuilding of the operational functions of the Da Nang Startup Council.

Noticeably, it is essential for Da Nang to build its own special and suitable innovation and startup centre. It should be kept in mind that this centre must be located near research centre and universities, and built on the perfect public-private partnership (PPP) model.

According to Dr. Vu Viet Ngoan, the Head of the Economic Advisory Group for the Prime Minister, Da Nang boasts noticeable advantages to move faster than other localities nationwide in terms of developing innovation and startup activities to become Viet Nam's unique innovative startup ecosystem. Besides, there are many favourable conditions for the city to connect with innovation centre in Southeast Asia, around the world as a whole.

In order for Da Nang to become an innovation and startup centre, Dr. Ngoan underlined the importance of gathering a lot of opinions from scientific researchers, intellectuals and businessmen to have a comprehensive look on this issue, in tandem with fostering the linkage amongst municipal authorities, investors, and startups. The much-anticipated centre will be in charge of providing necessary services to bring entrepreneurial ideas into reality.

Mr. Nguyen Trung Chinh, Chairman of the Board of Directors – General Director of CMC Technology Group addressing the seminar

In another perspective, Dr. Nguyen Dinh Cung, the Director of the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM), proposed that Da Nang should develop an innovation and startup project for both itself, and the central region as a whole. Its innovation and startup centre should operate as a certain business, and provide a full package of support services for startups. Also, this centre will connect innovation centres across the city, and assist universities and colleges in offering training programmes on innovation.

As a successful entrepreneur, Mr. Nguyen Trung Chinh, Chairman of the Board of Directors – General Director of CMC Technology Group, suggested that Da Nang should focus on developing the digital economy which has been defined as one of vital pillars and playing an important role for economic growth, creating breakthroughs for each country as the world is entering the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

In his remarks at the seminar, municipal People's Committee Vice Chairman cum Head of the municipal Authority of the Da Nang Hi-tech Park and Industrial Parks Ho Ky Minh affirmed the city would implement an overall project to develop pilot mechanisms and policies to promote creative startup in the city in the spirit of being in line with the national strategy, and showing off its own features. He also asked relevant agencies to work closely with experts of the Economic Advisory Group to complete this project as soon as possible and submit it to the national government for approval.