Hanoi leads the top 10 provinces and cities nationwide with the best scores in the innovation index compiled by the Ministry of Science and Technology. The first such index was released on March 12.

The announcement of the Provincial Innovation Index. Photo: daidoanket newspaper

Hanoi leads the PII 2023 with a score of 62.86, followed by Ho Chi Minh City (55.85), Haiphong (52.32), Danang (50.70), Cantho (49.66), Bac Ninh (49.20), Ba Ria - Vung Tau (49.18), Binh Duong (48.64), Quang Ninh (48.03) and Thai Nguyen (47.75).

Hanoi ranks first in 14 of the 52 indices evaluated. According to Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Hoang Minh, the city performed well in indexes that are important for innovation, such as human capital, research and development (63.06 points), market development level (77.81), and knowledge, creativity and technology products (63.16).

The Minister stated that the results of the evaluation show the correspondence between the PII 2023 results and the socio-economic development situation of each locality.

The provinces and cities in the upper group of the PII list consist of localities with favorable natural and geographical conditions (those in the Red River Delta and Southeast regions), with a high proportion of industry, construction, and services in the economic structure, with many industrial parks, developed infrastructure and strong activities in science, technology, and innovation.

Huynh Thanh Dat, Minister of Science and Technology, said the index provides a scientific and practical basis for people, enterprises, and public agencies to formulate and implement socio-economic development policies based on science, technology, and innovation.

The minister was confident that this would be a useful reference document for investors with regard to the investment environment and resource conditions.

He added that the ministry hopes to continue receiving support and coordination from ministries, sectors, local governments, and international organizations in the coming years to further improve the next iterations of the Provincial Innovation Index annually, as assigned by the government in Resolution No. 02/NQ-CP on January 5, 2024, regarding the main tasks and solutions to improve the business environment and enhance national competitiveness in 2024.