On the morning of December 4, 2025, a scientific conference on “Introducing an Advisor Network Model to Support Innovative Small and Medium-Sized Startups in Hai Duong” took place at Thanh Dong University (Hai Duong–Hai Phong). The event was held within the framework of a science and technology research project under an agreement between the Hai Duong Provincial Department of Science and Technology and National Economics University (NEU), with Red Media Joint Stock Company as a coordinating partner.

A view of the conference

Guests and representatives of Hai Phong City’s departments, boards, and agencies attending the conference included Dao Van Duong, Hai Phong City Department of Science and Technology; Nguyen Trac Thang, Chairman of the Hai Duong Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Association; Nguyen Van Huy, Vice Chairman of the Hai Duong Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Association; Dr. Le Thi Nguyet, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management, Hai Duong University; Dr. Dang Thi Lan Anh, Deputy Head of the Department of Research Management and International Cooperation, Thanh Dong University; and Dr. Luu Thi Lan Anh, University of Science and Technology; along with lecturers, experts, scientists, and business leaders in Hai Duong.

Representing NEU were Dr. Vu Tuan Anh, Director of the Center for Economic and Business Research and Consulting ; Dr. Tran Thi Mai Huong, Deputy Director of the Center for Economic and Business Research and Consulting; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Hung Phuong, Senior Lecturer at the School of Trade and International Economics, College of Business; and Dr. Pham Thu Van, Lecturer at the Faculty of Investment, College of Economics and Public Management; along with research project team members.

Dr. Vu Tuan Anh, Director of the Center for Economic and Business Research and Consulting, NEU, delivers the opening remarks at the conference

In his opening remarks, Dr. Vu Tuan Anh emphasized the importance of establishing and operating an advisor network to support innovative small and medium-sized startups. Introducing the advisor network model in Hai Duong represents a breakthrough in improving the quality of the local ecosystem supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. The model is also expected to provide a foundation for extending this impact throughout Hai Phong City. Establishing this network is particularly important for advancing the city’s strategic development priorities in the context of implementing Resolution No. 57/NQ-TW on the development of science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, and Resolution No. 68/NQ-TW on private sector development.

Small and medium-sized enterprises account for 98% of businesses in Hai Phong and serve as a core force, contributing significantly to economic growth and job creation in the area. Although the number of newly established startups has grown rapidly, the number of businesses dissolving or suspending operations also remains high, posing considerable challenges to achieving the city’s and the nation’s targets for the number of operating businesses. Demand for structured advice and support throughout the establishment, operation, and development of startups is therefore substantial and increasingly urgent.

At the conference, speakers delivered three presentations and held open discussions, analyzing key issues in developing and implementing the advisor network program. Discussions covered coordination mechanisms among educational institutions, regulatory agencies, business support organizations, and experts. Participants also shared effective operating models implemented in countries such as South Korea, Japan, the United States, and EU member states as a basis for proposing a model to support innovative small and medium-sized startups. In addition, delegates emphasized the need to strengthen advisors’ capabilities and update their knowledge of digital transformation, innovation, and modern management to better meet businesses’ increasingly diverse needs.

Dr. Le Thi Nguyet, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management, Hai Duong University, presents on the role of colleges and universities in supporting the development of an advisor network

MSc. Nguyen Van Huy, Director of the Hai Duong Center for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Support, Vice Chairman of the Hai Duong Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Association, and Director of TOPCEO Co., Ltd., delivers a presentation on “The Current State of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Innovative Startups”

Dr. Vu Tuan Anh, Director of the Center for Economic and Business Research and Consulting, NEU, delivers a presentation on “Introducing an Advisor Network Model to Support Innovative Small and Medium-Sized Startups in Hai Duong”

The conference marked the first step in establishing an advisor network to support innovative small and medium-sized startups in Hai Duong. The network is expected to become a hub connecting experts, businesses, support organizations, and educational institutions to develop the innovative startup ecosystem in Hai Duong–Hai Phong City and extend its reach to other localities nationwide.

Also at the conference, acting on behalf of the President, Dr. Tran Thi Mai Huong, Deputy Director of the Center for Economic and Business Research and Consulting, announced Decision No. 391/QĐ-ĐHKTQD and Decision No. 392/QĐ-ĐHKTQD dated November 11, 2025, on awarding certificates to trainees who completed the academic program “Advisors Supporting Innovative Small and Medium-Sized Startups in Hai Duong.” The certificates not only recognize the trainees’ efforts throughout their studies but also mark an initial step toward building a high-quality team of advisors, contributing to a human resource foundation for the small and medium-sized enterprise support program in its next phase.

Dr. Tran Thi Mai Huong, Deputy Director of the Center for Economic and Business Research and Consulting, announces the Decision on awarding certificates to trainees who completed the academic program “Advisors Supporting Innovative Small and Medium-Sized Startups in Hai Duong”

Dr. Vu Tuan Anh, Director of the Center for Economic and Business Research and Consulting, NEU, presents certificates to the trainees

The conference discussions indicated that establishing an advisor network with interregional and cross-sectoral linkages is essential at this stage. The parties agreed on the direction of building a professional, transparent, and effective advisory ecosystem and promoting information sharing among universities, research institutes, businesses, and regulatory agencies.

Delegates pose for a commemorative group photo at the conference

The conference also outlined directions for future cooperation between participating organizations and the advisor network, including organizing specialized training courses, developing an open advisor database, implementing government–university–business collaboration programs, and strengthening international cooperation to learn from advanced advisory models. These practical activities aim to improve the quality of the advisor network and create momentum for the development of the small and medium-sized business community.

Additional images from the conference:

Nguyen Trac Thang, Chairman of the Hai Duong Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Association, speaks at the conference

Le Van Viet, Standing Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong City Young Entrepreneurs Association, speaks at the conference

Dr. Dang Thi Lan Anh, Deputy Head of the Department of Research Management and International Cooperation, Thanh Dong University, speaks at the conference

Leaders of the Hai Duong Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Association present congratulatory flowers to the research project leadership team

The research project leadership team presents a bouquet to the leaders of the Hai Duong Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Association and expresses hopes for cooperation in development and closer strategic ties

Bui Bich Ngoc, CEO of Red Media Joint Stock Company, serves as the conference’s master of ceremonies

Article and photos: Center for Economic and Business Research and Consulting and Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.