Hanoi is working to establish itself as a major hub for creativity and innovation in the country and the region. The development of the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, along with the expansion of research institutions and universities, is at the core of this strategic goal.

Deputy Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Ha Minh Hai outlined this direction on August 7 at a seminar to gather opinions on the development of science and technology in the capital.

Hanoi from above. Photo: Huu Thang

This orientation will serve as the basis for the formulation of the Hanoi Capital Master Plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050.

In order to achieve this vision, it is crucial for the relevant departments and sectors to seek the opinions of experts and scientists and to work with consulting units on the basis of the outlined directions for the development of science and technology in the city.

This strategy is oriented toward nurturing innovative growth models while increasing the productivity, quality, efficiency and competitiveness of the economy, seen as a priority for Hanoi since its administrative boundary expansion 15 years ago. 

Ha Minh Hai emphasizes two key facets. First, it advocates building a secure information and communications infrastructure in the capital, starting right from planning. Second, it emphasizes the development of a comprehensive and interconnected system.

This integrated system will result in a unified and modern entity, based on advanced digital technologies, capable of providing cost-effective information and communication services. It will also meet the requirements for the application of information technology and digital transformation in the construction of a digital government, digital economy and digital society.

An overview of the meeting. Photo: Vu Le/ The Hanoi Times

The seminar served as a platform to gather perspectives and recommendations from various departments, sectors, and experts.

A representative from the Hanoi Department of Information and Communication expressed the desire for the consulting units to continue to engage and collaborate with each segment of departments and sectors in a direct manner. This approach aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of planning content and facilitate relevant consultations for the city's development efforts.

Local experts at the seminar emphasized the need for consultants to carefully and impartially assess the current state of science and technology advancement. They also highlighted the key roles and functions of these fields in the context of new challenges.

Another suggestion, put forward by a local company, calls for a clear delineation of support mechanisms forbusinesses involved in science and technology. This action would create an enabling environment for the business community to actively contribute to the economic and social progress of the capital.

During the event, representatives of the consulting consortium presented an assessment of science and technology development in the capital for the 2011-2020 period.

They highlighted several limitations, including the lack of a cohesive science and technology network and organization, insufficient incentives for business investment, outdated infrastructure, and a shortage of highly skilled science and technology professionals.

The consulting units emphasized the key role of science and technology in urban governance, modernizing infrastructure systems, establishing science and technology parks, and creating a smart city.

Science and technology will serve as an impetus for the integrated development of digital governance, digital society, and a sustainable digital economy.

Hanoi aims to become a frontrunner in terms of internationally recognized science and technology institutions, ensuring a synchronized and harmonious implementation of science and technology initiatives.

The city aims to serve as a model and leading nucleus that attracts knowledge and technology, with enterprises positioned at the forefront of innovation and creativity. The focus will be on the value of technology transactions in the context of the development of the science and technology market.

With regard to the development of information and communication in Hanoi, the consulting consortium has set out a clear roadmap for the period from 2021 to 2030, with a forward-looking vision that extends to the year 2050.

The goal is to transform Hanoi into a smart and modern city, creating the conditions for fast, efficient and sustainable economic growth. Hanoi aims to secure a position among the country's leading localities in terms of digital transformation.

By 2030, the city aims to have a fundamentally smart and modern infrastructure and to progressively integrate into the international network of smart cities in the region and the world.