IRDRC: A Strategic Knowledge Partner for Localities in Sustainable Development Planning

02 Feb, 2026

In 2025, the Institute for Regional Development Research and Consulting (IRDRC) at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) continued to affirm its role as astrategic knowledge partner for localities, contributing to sustainable socio-economic development through applied research, policy consulting, and governance capacity building in the new context.

Applied research for local strategic planning

In the context of many localities undergoing administrative restructuring, IRDRC has focused on conducting research projects to support socio-economic development planning and the development of documents for upcoming Party Congresses at all levels, partnering with provinces such as Vinh Long, Dong Thap, and Ben Tre. These studies, grounded in scientific and data-driven perspectives, are aimed at priorities such as poverty reduction, inequality reduction, and enhancing administrative effectiveness.

Several notable projects were accepted this year, including: "The Contribution of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) to the Growth of Ho Chi Minh City"; "Annual Report on Science, Technology, and Innovation, and the Technological Level and Capacity of Key Sectors in Ho Chi Minh City"; and "A Survey and Evaluation of Public Science and Technology Organizations in the City to Promote the Establishment of International-Standard Research Centers."

The appraisal council for research projects

Expanding strategic cooperation and promoting global ơartnerships

In parallel with its research, IRDRC has continuously expanded its strategic cooperation with provinces and cities to connect academic knowledge with policymaking practice. By pioneering the application of new technologies like AI and Big Data, the Institute assists localities in enhancing the quality of their analysis and decision-making, particularly in the green economy and environmental protection sectors. This is complemented by specialized training programs and pilot projects for sustainable development, all aimed at fostering consensus among government, businesses, and the community and promoting global partnerships for sustainable development.

A scientific seminar on "Policies to promote science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in localities to implement Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024, on breakthroughs in national science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation development."

Series of training conferences on professional knowledge, skills, expertise, and digital transformation in the Logistics sector in Ho Chi Minh City

Consolidating trusted partnerships with localities nationwide

In 2025, UEH signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 7 of the 13 newly merged localities in the Southern region, including Khanh Hoa, Ca Mau, An Giang, Vinh Long, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Can Tho City, further strengthening its strategic partnerships. Building on this, IRDRC has partnered in implementing key cooperative areas: assisting localities in building sustainable socio-economic strategies; training and enhancing human resource capacity; and strengthening research and policy consulting on trends such as the green economy, circular economy, digital economy, and innovation.

UEH and An Giang Provincial People's Committee signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement for the 2025-2030 period

UEH and Ca Mau Provincial People's Committee signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement

UEH and Vinh Long Provincial People's Committee signed a a comprehensive cooperation agreement

Enhancing Leadership and Management Capacity for Local Sustainable Development

With a focus on enhancing modern governance capacity, IRDRC has co-organized in-depth training programs to improve the leadership and management skills of officials at all levels. These programs also aim to develop the managerial skills of mid-level managers and equip them with knowledge and skills on applying artificial intelligence and ensuring information security during digital transformation.

In 2025, UEH collaborated with Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Ria–Vung Tau (pre-merger), Tay Ninh, and Ca Mau to organize specialized training programs, attracting hundreds of leaders and managers.

The opening ceremony of the course "Enhancing Ca Mau Province's Competitiveness Towards Double-Digit Growth for the 2026–2030 Period" in Ca Mau

The opening ceremony of the training course "Communication Skills and Civilized Conduct in Tourist Areas 2025" at the Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area Management Board, Tay Ninh

The opening ceremony of the training course for officials from District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, on "Knowledge and Skills for Applying AI (ChatGPT) in the Workplace and Information Security in Digital Transformation."

In 2025, through its strategic partnership network with localities and its series of practice-oriented research - consulting - training activities linked to practice, IRDRC has progressively affirmed its role in connecting modern knowledge with local socio-economic development needs. The achievements not only contribute to enhancing the quality of human resources but also create a scientific foundation for policymaking and long-term development, contributing to the goal of building an integrated and sustainably developing nation.

New, photos: Institute for Regional Development Research and Consulting