On March 23, 2026, the Department of Innovation, Green Transition and Industrial Promotion, in coordination with Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade (HUIT), organized a seminar on developing the science, technology, and innovation program for the Industry and Trade sector in implementation of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024, issued by the Politburo on breakthroughs in the development of science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. At the seminar, delegates discussed orientations for science, technology, and innovation tasks for the 2026–2030 period.

Overview of the seminar on orientations for developing the Science, Technology, and Innovation Program in the Industry and Trade sector for the 2026–2030 period

The event was chaired by Dr. Nguyễn Việt Tấn, Deputy Director General of the Department of Innovation, Green Transition and Industrial Promotion, and focused on realizing breakthrough goals for the development of science and technology and national digital transformation. The seminar also attracted the participation of numerous experts and leaders from reputable training and research institutions, including Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, Nong Lam University Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology – VNU-HCM, Nguyễn Tất Thành University, Saigon Technology University, Cao Thắng Technical College, the Research Institute for Oil and Oil Plants, and the Ho Chi Minh City Biotechnology Center.

Dr. Nguyễn Việt Tấn, Deputy Director General of the Department of Innovation, Green Transition and Industrial Promotion, speaks at the seminar

Within the framework of the seminar, representatives of the Department of Innovation, Green Transition and Industrial Promotion emphasized five key strategic pillars: reforming the task-ordering management mechanism, restructuring industrial sectors, developing biotechnology, promoting comprehensive digital transformation, and strengthening the management of goods quality standards. Science and technology tasks will be divided into two main groups: strategic technologies with major impact, such as textiles and garments, agriculture, forestry and fisheries; and foundational driver technologies that create new momentum, such as rocket development and nuclear power.

Meritorious Teacher, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lê Thị Hồng Ánh, Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, contributes remarks at the seminar

Contributing remarks at the seminar, Meritorious Teacher, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lê Thị Hồng Ánh, Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, recommended the continuous updating of current legal regulations on the Department’s website to support scientists during the process of submitting proposals and implementing tasks. She also proposed a more flexible mechanism for principal investigators of urgent commissioned research projects. At the same time, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đàm Sao Mai, Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, and Dr. Nguyễn Hải An, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Biotechnology Center, also expressed concern over the need to enhance the transparency of financial mechanisms and clarify procedures for the purchase and transfer of specialized technological know-how. Delegates also proposed many specialized technical research directions, such as applications in intelligent extraction systems, the development of plant-based alternative proteins, and by-product processing technologies toward green, zero-waste production models. In particular, Ms. Thái Nguyễn Quỳnh Thư, M.A., Deputy Director of the Research Institute for Oil and Oil Plants, emphasized the importance of specialized research on oils and oil-producing plants within the sustainable development structure of the Industry and Trade sector.

The seminar concluded with clear orientations for the development of the science, technology, and innovation program in the Industry and Trade sector for the 2026–2030 period

At the conclusion of the seminar, the participants agreed that science and technology tasks in the coming period must clearly identify their application targets, be closely linked with business operations, and generate tangible economic benefits without necessarily depending on overly large funding sources. Optimizing the valuation process for intellectual property assets and providing financial support for prototype products were also regarded as key factors in effectively bringing scientific research from universities to the market. Deputy Director General Nguyễn Việt Tấn highly appreciated the contributions made by HUIT and other participating institutions, affirming that these recommendations would be received and incorporated into the refinement of regulations and task lists for early submission to the Ministry’s leadership for approval, thereby creating momentum for the development of the Industry and Trade sector in the digital era.