Developing local startup ecosystems in the digital economy era

On the afternoon of September 28, in Vinh city, the National Startup Association coordinated with the Department of Science and Technology of Nghe An to organize the program: "National Startup Forum to develop local startup ecosystems in the digital economic era". This is one of the activities under the Program "Supporting the national innovation startup ecosystem until 2025".

The forum was attended by Ambassadors of Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Algeria in Vietnam; international guests and experts; Dr. Dinh Viet Hoa, Chairman of the National Startup Association, and about 450 guests from inside and outside the province including corporations, businesses, entrepreneurs, representatives of universities, colleges, organizations promoting and supporting startups.

Speaking at the forum, Dr. Dinh Viet Hoa - Chairman of the National Startup Association emphasized: Today's forum demonstrates the determination of the association, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and ministries, departments, branches; provinces and cities to spread the entrepreneurial spirit and promote the startup movement in localities; promote the development of a sustainable startup ecosystem; and promote the socialization of startup activities.

At the forum, delegates focused on discussing issues related to startups, such as promoting the connectivity of localities with regions and countries; sharing experiences of international organizations in attracting investment capital to support businesses and ways to call for capital from sharks and investment funds; suggesting ways to attract resources to support startups...

At the forum, international delegates shared experiences in attracting investment capital for startups; the role of businesses in building a local startup ecosystem; the public-private partnership model in supporting and incubating local startups; creative startup opportunities for Vietnam; Vietnam's potential in the Asian business context...

In Nghe An, in recent years, the startup movement in the province has developed encouragingly, creating the premise for the formation of a vibrant and creative startup ecosystem. Accordingly, Nghe An has promptly issued many programs, policies, and plans to support innovative startups; Linking organizations supporting innovative startups at universities and research institutes, fund organizations, and investors to Nghe An.

Through competitions to find innovative startup talents, within 4 years, there were over 400 projects participating in the competition, of which 54 excellent startup projects and ideas were awarded by the Provincial People's Committee.

In particular, the competition has attracted the attention of many funds and investors inside and outside the province; many start-up projects have been supported by businesses and universities with experts, scientists, funding for research, product completion, intellectual property registration, support for houses, factories, equipment, premises for production, production and trade cooperation, etc.

Currently, the Department of Science and Technology is advising the People's Committee of Nghe An province to establish the Project: "Building a Center for Innovation and Startup in the North Central region" to submit to the Prime Minister for approval in 2024.

Nghe An has identified the development of a startup ecosystem as a strategic task in the digital economy era, promoting startup support activities, from incubation, training, connection, to capital calling and communication. This is the driving force to create new opportunities for the local business community and young generation.

Within the framework of the program, there is also a seminar on Developing local startup ecosystems from local potential and culture and a signing ceremony for comprehensive cooperation on developing innovative startup ecosystems between localities and the National Startup Association.