The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee (UBND) issued a plan on 18/7 to organize an innovation and digital transformation movement. The city hopes the movement will contribute to its goal of becoming a leading science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation hub for Vietnam and the region.

The movement will have two phases: 2025-2027 and 2027-2030. During this period, Ho Chi Minh City expects businesses, agencies, organizations, individuals, scientists, and entrepreneurs to contribute innovative ideas and digital transformation initiatives. The focus will be on transitioning from traditional to digital management using data and developing infrastructure for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. This adoption of innovation is expected to accelerate digital transformation across sectors, agencies, units, and localities.

Semiconductor laboratory, Research and Development Center, Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park. Photo: Quynh Tran

Semiconductor laboratory, Research and Development Center, Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park. Photo: Quynh Tran

Ho Chi Minh City stated it will propose and develop mechanisms and policies to create a favorable legal environment for digital transformation, encouraging businesses to participate in the digital economy and develop a digital society. The city also encourages research and application of new technologies, products, services, and models in socio-economic development.

The movement also calls for emulation in developing the digital economy, digital technology businesses, science and technology enterprises, and innovative startups to enhance the competitiveness of the entire economy.

The plan also aims to develop a digital society, provide training to enhance technology knowledge and skills, develop human resources, ensure cybersecurity, and promote international cooperation in AI, biotechnology, quantum technology, semiconductors, and nuclear energy.

Ho Chi Minh City will commend and recognize outstanding units, models, groups, and individuals in scientific research, technological development, and innovation.

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's economic engine, a "megacity" following its merger. The city's post-merger economy reached over 2.7 quadrillion VND, nearly 25% of Vietnam's 2024 GDP. The city's budget revenue also stands out, accounting for almost 33% of the nation's total, at 682 trillion VND.

The city considers science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as top priorities, guiding its rapid and sustainable development. However, according to Lam Dinh Thang, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, there are challenges in advancing these pillars. For example, small and medium-sized enterprises, which account for 90-95% of businesses, have a slow digital transformation rate due to limited resources, knowledge, strategy, and perseverance. There's a shortage of digital personnel for both government agencies and businesses, and cybersecurity issues are increasingly complex.

Therefore, launching this emulation movement is a concrete step towards accelerating the city's goals.

In addition to this movement, Ho Chi Minh City will develop and consult experts on a plan for developing an innovative startup ecosystem from 2025-2030. According to city leaders, this is a necessary step to implement Resolution 57, aiming to place Ho Chi Minh City among the top 100 global startup ecosystems in the coming years.

Hoai Phuong

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