The amended Capital Law of 2024 marks a significant step forward in addressing key bottlenecks in the development of science, technology, and innovation in Hanoi, according to Do Hoang Tu, Deputy Head of the Technology Management Division at the Hanoi Department of Science and Technology.
He highlighted that the legislative update introduces specific regulations aimed at enhancing the city's technological landscape.
The new law focuses on several key areas, including supporting technology application and transfer, assisting businesses in investing in research and development, and facilitating the commercialization of scientific research results, Tu said. One of the most notable features is the provision that allows Hanoi to implement a controlled trial mechanism in specific sectors, particularly for emerging technologies. This flexibility is expected to foster innovation and enable quicker adaptation to new technologies.
Tu shared this information during a recent conference on local technology application, transfer, and innovation activities for 2024, held early this month at the National Convention Center.
Delegates visit a booth displaying products at Techconnect and Innovation Vietnam 2024. Photo: Hanoimoi Newspaper
The conference was part of the Techconnection and Innovation Vietnam 2024 event, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Hanoi People's Committee. This initiative celebrates the 65th anniversary of the Ministry and the 70th anniversary of the capital's Liberation Day.
Policies to boost technology transfer and innovation
Duong Thi Kim Lien, Director of the Institute for Business Innovation Accelerator, pointed out that although Hanoi has made substantial investments in technological infrastructure, challenges persist in the development of high-tech zones and research centers.
She noted that the city's technological infrastructure is failing to meet the needs of businesses, particularly in advanced technology and support services for implementing innovative solutions.
Despite the rapid growth in the number of enterprises, only about 0.1% of startups in Hanoi are making innovative breakthroughs, Lien added. She emphasized the importance of close collaboration among government agencies, businesses, and research and training organizations.
She said that Hanoi needs to facilitate access to financial, human, and technological resources for enterprises. Additionally, she called for administrative reforms to create a more favorable environment for innovation and creativity.
According to Director of Hanoi Department of Science and Technology Nguyen Hong Son, Hanoi has implemented various mechanisms and policies in recent years to support technology application and transfer, establishing a favorable legal framework for these activities in the city.
In 2023, the municipal Department of Science and Technology assisted four enterprises in developing new solutions and technologies for production and business applications. This included applying scientific research results and testing new methods on a small scale to refine technologies and products.
Do Hoang Tu added that from July 2023 to June 2024, the department issued Certificates of Technology Transfer Agreement Registration for ten technology transfer and technical assistance contracts, along with 13 certificates for amendments and extensions.
“These efforts involved the transfer and mastery of technology from abroad in prioritized sectors such as electronics and mechanical engineering. In 2023, four city-level science and technology projects focused on applying and mastering foreign technologies in Hanoi,” Tu said.
Tú said that challenges remain, as the information system and scientific services have not effectively facilitated communication between technology providers and those seeking innovation. The registration process for industrial property rights is often lengthy, and assessing used machinery during investment project extensions - especially for foreign investments - poses additional hurdles.
He emphasized that Hanoi will implement comprehensive solutions to promote technology application, transfer, and innovation in the coming times.
“These initiatives will prioritize enhancing the legal framework and policies related to science, technology, and innovation, specifically clarifying the policies outlined in the amended Capital Law to effectively mobilize social resources and leverage advantages for the development of science, technology, and innovation in the capital,” Tu said.
Khanh Khanh