As digital technology develops rapidly and becomes a key factor in national competitiveness, National Economics University (NEU), in collaboration with the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, held a scientific seminar in Hanoi on the morning of December 9, 2025, on “Policy mechanisms to promote innovation and digital transformation to enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese enterprises.” The seminar attracted a large number of experts, scholars, representatives of ministries and sectors, and members of the business community.

An overview of the seminar

External guests attending the seminar included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Xuan Ba, former Director of the Central Institute for Economic Management; Dr. Dang Quoc Chinh, Chair of the Board of Directors of Tran Phu Electromechanical Joint Stock Company; Dr. Luong Minh Huan, Director of the Enterprise Development Institute, VCCI (Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry); Nguyen Trung Thuc, Director of the Institute of Information Technology for Business, VCCI; Tong Anh Duc, Director of TMGS Vietnam Joint Stock Company; and Bui Tuan Minh, Executive Director of LPD Luxury Product Distribution Company.

Representing the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City were Prof. Dr. Nguyen Khac Quoc Bao, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dong Phong, Chair of the Development Strategy Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet, Chair of the UEH Alumni Executive Board; Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh, Chair of the Scientific and Training Council; and other members of the delegation.

Representing NEU were Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; Prof. Dr. Do Thi Hai Ha, Rector of the School of Economics and Public Management; Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat, Chair of the Scientific and Training Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Ha, Chair of the Advisory Council; and Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Van Hoa, Member of the Central Theoretical Council and former Vice President. Also attending were representatives of the leadership of the University’s schools, departments, faculties, institutes, and centers; University experts, scholars, faculty and staff; economists, researchers, policymakers, and business representatives.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, delivers welcome remarks at the seminar

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, emphasized that Vietnamese enterprises are at a turning point where digital technology is no longer an option but has become “a prerequisite for survival and development.”

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu noted that although Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW has set out a strategic direction, many bottlenecks remain in practice: policies have not kept pace with technological change, support resources remain fragmented, and enterprises’ innovation capacity, particularly that of small and medium-sized enterprises, has not met expectations.

“The seminar therefore serves as an open forum where academics and practitioners come together to identify systemic barriers in enterprises’ digital transformation and propose appropriate policy mechanisms to lay the foundation for the development of the business sector in the new period.”

Prof. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, also emphasized that the collaboration between NEU and UEH demonstrates the determination of the two leading economics universities to work together to find practical solutions that help Vietnamese enterprises enhance their competitiveness amid digital transformation.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dong Phong, Chair of the Development Strategy Council, delivers introductory remarks at the seminar

In his introductory remarks, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dong Phong, Chair of the Development Strategy Council at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, affirmed that the seminar is an important activity within the framework of the state-level research project coded KX.01.02/21-30 under Program KX.01/21-30, which aims to improve the policy system to enhance Vietnamese enterprises’ innovation capacity in the era of digital transformation.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dong Phong emphasized that Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW sets the target for Vietnamese enterprises’ technological and innovation capacity to reach a level “above the global average” by 2030, with many priority areas reaching “international standards.” In this context, Hanoi, as the country’s political, economic, and scientific center, bears a special responsibility to implement innovative policy mechanisms vigorously, decisively, and in a way that sets the direction for others.

The Chair of the Development Strategy Council at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City expressed his expectation that the seminar would help systematize theoretical foundations, assess the current situation, and review local experience, thereby developing feasible policy recommendations to help enterprises accelerate innovation and generate new momentum for economic growth in the 2026–2030 period.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Thi Dong, NEU, presents a paper on “Innovation and digital transformation capacity of Vietnamese enterprises: Barriers and challenges”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, shares insights on “Approaches and methods for studying the policy system to enhance Vietnamese enterprises’ innovation capacity amid digital transformation”

The seminar’s roundtable discussion also attracted the interest of a large number of delegates, fostering exchanges from multiple perspectives on solutions to enhance Vietnamese enterprises’ innovation and digital transformation capacity.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dong Phong, Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet chair the discussion session

Experts also shared extensive practical experience, ranging from models for supporting innovative startups and mechanisms to promote R&D within enterprises to the development of digital ecosystems strong enough to enhance competitiveness. Candid analyses of current bottlenecks, such as an inconsistent legal framework, difficulties in accessing technology, and limitations in capital and human resources, offered important suggestions for improving policies in the coming period.

Experts and scholars exchange views and engage in discussions at the seminar

The insights shared at the seminar are expected to make practical contributions to improving policy mechanisms, providing impetus for Vietnamese enterprises to innovate boldly, adopt technology, and enhance their competitiveness in the digital era.

Seminar participants pose for a commemorative photograph

Dr. Dinh Viet Hoang, Faculty of Management Science, NEU, serves as master of ceremonies at the seminar

Article and photos: 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.