Experiences in building high-tech parks in Vietnam and other countries were shared at a workshop on July 23 with a view to seeking development orientation for the Da Nang Hi-tech Park in the central city of Da Nang.

At the event, participants presented their experiences and ideas in building up the capacity for innovation and startup promotion in high-tech parks, the role of research and development in economic growth, and the role of innovation in reforming economic growth models. They also suggested plans to improve innovation and startups more specifically at the Da Nang Hi-tech Park.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam said that in an era with rapidly developing science and technology, more reforms must be made to benefit from this global trend. Challenges and opportunities always come hand-in-hand, he added. It is necessary to capitalise on opportunities by developing IT and other IT-based sectors, along with high quality human resources.

The Government hopes that the city will work closely with relevant ministries and agencies to soon propose concrete models and recommendations for the Da Nang Hi-tech Park so that more specific directions for the park’s development can be issued, he added.

In the late 20th century, Da Nang built the Hoa Khanh Industrial Park to attract investment and boost economic development. Despite certain positive outcomes, this park is yet to have met the city’s expectations.

To channel a stronger wave of technological innovation, the city decided to build its own high-tech park – the third of its kind in Vietnam, after those in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Huynh Duc Tho said Da Nang considers investing in the high-tech park as a core factor and part of the momentum for its economy. New models and policies to improve the park’s innovation and startup support are being discussed, which will be reported to the Prime Minister in the third quarter of 2018.

Established in 2010, the Da Nang Hi-tech Park covers nearly 1,130ha in Hoa Lien and Hoa Ninh communes of Hoa Vang district. It aims to create an optimal environment in terms of technical infrastructure and policies for domestic and foreign organisations, individuals, and businesses to research, develop, and apply high technologies; train high-tech human resources; and produce and supply high-tech services.