On the morning of July 24, 2025, National Economics University (NEU) hosted a scientific conference on the theme: “Building a Network of Consultants to Support Innovative Small and Medium-Sized Startups in Hai Duong” as part of a science and technology research project under an agreement between the Hai Duong Provincial Department of Science and Technology and NEU, with the collaborating organization, Red Media Joint Stock Company.

An overview of the conference

External delegates attending the conference included Hoang Son Cong, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Institute of Talent Development Science; Nguyen Van Truc, Director of the Center for Training and Support for Technology Market Development, Agency for Startups and Technology Enterprises, Ministry of Science and Technology; Nguyen Van Huy, Vice Chairman of the Hai Duong Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Association and Director of TOPCEO Co., Ltd.; and Lam Quang Tung, Vietnam Television.

Representing NEU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, Vice President; Dr. Vu Tuan Anh, Director of the Center for Economic and Business Research and Consulting; and leadership representatives from colleges, departments, faculties, institutes, schools, and centers. Also attending were leadership representatives from local departments, boards, and agencies; businesses; universities; research institutes; research project members; and numerous delegates interested in innovative startups.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, Vice President of NEU, speaks at the conference

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, Vice President of NEU, emphasized the conference’s practical significance and urgency, particularly as the country operates under a two-tier local government model, promotes regional connectivity, and implements a range of innovation policies to foster rapid, robust, and sustainable socioeconomic development.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, connecting and developing the economic space between Hai Duong and Hai Phong offers many advantages and creates an urgent need to establish a comprehensive and effective business support ecosystem in which a network of consultants plays a central role.

“Business consulting and training personnel with in-depth expertise are among the strategic tasks that NEU has long worked to advance and will continue to prioritize. Building a well-structured, professional network of consultants with practical knowledge and the ability to make connections is key to effectively supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in the innovative startup sector,” affirmed Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong.

As a focal point for business consulting, NEU’s Center for Economic and Business Research and Consulting has actively connected with ministries, sectors, localities, and experts to establish a network of consultants supporting businesses across a wide range of areas and sectors. The conference held at NEU marked the first step toward establishing a network of consultants for innovative startups. The conference featured four presentations and an open discussion.

Dr. Nguyen Van Truc, Director of the Center for Training and Support for Technology Market Development, Agency for Startups and Technology Enterprises, Ministry of Science and Technology, presents: Networks of consultants supporting innovative small and medium-sized startups—Domestic and international experience in developing consultant networks

Nguyen Van Huy, Vice Chairman of the Hai Duong Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Association and Director of TOPCEO Co., Ltd., presents: Demand among Hai Duong businesses for access to consultant networks

Lam Quang Tung, Vietnam Television, presents: Communications to support innovative small and medium-sized startups

Hoang Son Cong, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Institute of Talent Development Science, presents: Experience in supporting innovative small and medium-sized startups in low-emission agriculture

Hai Duong Province (now part of Hai Phong City) currently has more than 21,300 operating enterprises, of which small and medium-sized enterprises account for as much as 98%—a core force in economic growth and job creation. However, many businesses still face numerous challenges, particularly in management, access to capital, technology adoption, and access to legal information. One major barrier is the shortage of consultants with in-depth expertise and practical experience.

According to national data, only about 150 individuals nationwide are currently recognized as members of the network of consultants supporting businesses—a figure far too modest compared with the target of developing nearly 2 million enterprises by 2030 under Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development. This situation demonstrates the urgent need to build a professional consulting workforce to meet businesses’ diverse needs, ranging from technical and legal matters to finance and sustainable development strategies.

As the country implements important Resolutions, including Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, and Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development, establishing a system of consultants with sufficient capabilities, practical understanding, and the ability to work alongside businesses is becoming an urgent requirement. These consultants not only provide specific support solutions but also disseminate knowledge and nurture the next generation for the innovative startup ecosystem.

With a history spanning nearly 70 years, NEU has consistently emphasized connecting education and research with practice while actively working alongside localities to improve workforce quality. Drawing on the strengths of its three constituent colleges—the College of Technology, the College of Business, and the College of Economics and Public Management—NEU stands ready to provide experts and consultants with strong professional expertise, innovative thinking, and professional consulting skills to meet development needs in the new era.

In its role as an initiator, the Center will actively forge connections in the coming period to establish a network of consultants supporting innovative small and medium-sized startups. The network will be established not only in Hai Duong but will also extend to other localities across the country.

Dr. Vu Tuan Anh, Director of the Center for Economic and Business Research and Consulting and Principal Investigator of the research project, delivers the conference summary and closing remarks

This conference not only contributed to the effective implementation of the joint science and technology research project between NEU and the Hai Duong Provincial Department of Science and Technology but also laid an important foundation for establishing a sustainable innovative startup ecosystem, making a positive contribution to local and national socioeconomic development.

Additional photos from the conference:

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.