Promoting Linkages Among Research Institutes, Universities, and Enterprises in Science and Technology Development

On the morning of October 23, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung chaired a national online conference on promoting linkages between research institutes, universities, and the business community in science and technology research and development. Attending the conference at the Phu Tho Province bridge point were Comrade Nguyen Khac Hieu, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, alongside representatives of relevant departments, branches, and units.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Khac Hieu chairs at the Phu Tho Province bridge point.

According to the report presented at the conference, implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo, policy systems on science, technology, and innovation have experienced important shifts, step-by-step expanding autonomy for research organizations while encouraging enterprises to participate in research, development, and technology transfer.

During the 2021–2025 period, out of 1,451 national-level science and technology tasks compiled, 181 tasks were led by enterprises, accounting for 12.5% of total tasks and 25.7% of total funding.

The proportion of tasks featuring counterpart capital from enterprises combined with research institutes and universities reached relatively high levels in several localities, such as An Giang at 53%, Gia Lai at 47%, and Hanoi at approximately 40%. According to the 2026 Global Innovation Index, Vietnam ranked 24th in research and development cooperation between universities and enterprises.

Overview of the conference at the Phu Tho Province bridge point.

Numerous linkage models have delivered practical results, contributing to elevating technology mastery capacity alongside production and business efficiency. Notably, in 2026, Viettel Group and the University of Engineering and Technology (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) handed over and put into application 3 artificial intelligence research results: CoDev, TelcoLLM, and AI Platform. The Research Institute of Technology for Machinery coordinated with universities and enterprises to master the design and manufacture of 7 auxiliary equipment systems for thermal power generation units...

However, linkage activities among research institutes, universities, and enterprises still face limitations in scale, sustainability, and commercialization efficiency.

At the conference, delegates discussed focusing on resolving bottlenecks and proposing solution groups. The core emphasis lies in perfecting ordering and co-funding research mechanisms; expanding autonomy for institutes and universities; accelerating transfer and commercialization of research results; and developing the science and technology market. Concurrently, delegates emphasized elevating the role and responsibility of enterprises in identifying demands, investing in research, and receiving and applying technology to practical operations.

The conference was connected from the Government Office bridge point to provinces and cities nationwide.

Concluding the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung emphasized the requirement to create substantive shifts in linkages among research institutes, universities, and enterprises, connecting scientific research with production and business needs to enhance productivity, quality, and competitiveness of the economy.

The Deputy Prime Minister requested ministries, sectors, and localities to focus on deploying tasks immediately starting from Q4/2026. Among these, the Ministry of Science and Technology must urgently perfect mechanisms for evaluating linkage efficiency, research co-funding, and technology transfer and commercialization. The Ministry of Education and Training must foster cooperation between training institutions and enterprises to develop high-quality human resources. The Ministry of Finance must perfect data-sharing mechanisms and public procurement policies regarding new science and technology products.

Research institutes and universities need to proactively innovate operational methods and step up research result transfers; enterprises must actively place orders, invest, and apply technology, with state-owned corporations and general companies fulfilling a pioneering role.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that linkage efficiency must be evaluated by actual resources contributed, technology mastered, products applied, and practical value generated, rather than relying solely on the number of cooperation agreements signed. Through this approach, science, technology, and innovation will become vital drivers for rapid and sustainable development.

Delivering directive remarks following the conference, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Khac Hieu emphasized the role of linkages between research institutes, universities, and the business community in accelerating the application of science and technology into practice.

He requested the Department of Science and Technology to fulfill its bridging role, promoting linkages between universities, research institutes, and research centers in the province with the business community; proactively connecting and introducing the capabilities and strengths of research and training facilities to assist enterprises in management, governance, working environment improvement, labor productivity elevation, and product consumption. Enterprises must proactively identify demands and operational bottlenecks to place orders and coordinate with universities and research institutes in seeking appropriate solutions.

He assigned the Department of Science and Technology to coordinate with the Department of Education and Training and relevant departments and branches to advise the Provincial People’s Committee on mechanisms and policies to promote linkage activities, ensuring practicality and efficiency; thereby transforming science, technology, and innovation into socio-economic development drivers contributing to the province’s double-digit growth target.

Le Minh