Research Project on the Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Vietnam, in Partnership with UNDP Viet Nam, Officially Launched in August 2025

23 Aug, 2025

In late May 2025, the UEH Institute of Innovation (UII) finalized the steps for the publication of a research study with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and relevant stakeholders. The research project on the Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Vietnam was officially launched on the UNDP Viet Nam official website on International Youth Day, August 12.

The official launch of the National Study on the Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Vietnam.

Vietnam is currently home to over 22 million young people, accounting for nearly 36% of the labor force, with young entrepreneurs and youth-led startups becoming key drivers of sustainable development and innovation. However, alongside encouraging development outcomes, entrepreneurship in general, and youth entrepreneurship in particular, still face numerous difficulties and challenges. There is also a lack of a comprehensive, in-depth, and nationally-oriented assessment of the Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem.

Youth representatives and stakeholders in a group discussion on opportunities and challenges within the Vietnam Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem.

Against this backdrop, Youth Co:Lab (co-created by UNDP and Citi Foundation), in collaboration with the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), conducted the "National Study on the Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Vietnam." Based on nationwide data, combining qualitative and quantitative research methods, consulting with stakeholders, and conducting in-depth analysis, the study has assessed and analyzed the key drivers of the ecosystem. It provides deep, multi-faceted insights into youth entrepreneurship in Vietnam. Furthermore, it identifies strengths, gaps, and development opportunities, and proposes relevant policy recommendations for the coming period to empower young people to take action, contributing to a green, equitable, and sustainable future.

Read the full study HERE.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung - Vice President of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, speaking at the Thematic Dialogue "Assessing the Current State and Future Direction of the Vietnam Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem" in October 2024.

Ms. Do Le Thu Ngoc - Assistant Resident Representative and Head of the Inclusive Growth Unit at UNDP Viet Nam, speaking at the Thematic Dialogue in October 2024.

Aligning with Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, and Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private economic development as the country enters a new phase of transformation, the study offers fresh, creative, and practical perspectives on the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem through crucial aspects, including: policy and legal framework, access to finance, human capital, culture, infrastructure, and market access. The research findings indicate that young entrepreneurs still face many challenges, such as limited access to financial resources, a lack of networking opportunities with mentors, and significant regional disparities. This calls for key components of Vietnam's innovation startup ecosystem, and the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem specifically, to focus on building a strong, favorable, and inclusive foundation to promote entrepreneurial activities.

UEH, in collaboration with Youth Co:Lab Viet Nam, conducted the "National Study on the Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem" to contribute to the holistic development of entrepreneurial capacity among Vietnamese youth (December 2024).

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet - Head of the research project, chairing the policy dialogue "Building a Favorable Ecosystem for Youth Entrepreneurship" in December 2024.

The "Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Vietnam" study also shows a strong resonance with the development orientation of the City-University model that UEH is implementing. By placing learners at the center of developing the innovation ecosystem, the study acts as a "vital link" between the university, government, businesses, and the community in providing data, knowledge, and practical solutions, creating a favorable environment where youth-led enterprises can thrive.

MSc. Vuong Khiet - a member of the research team, presenting key findings from the National Study on the Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Vietnam.

This synergy contributes to forming a comprehensive innovation ecosystem where young people are provided with resources and have the space to realize their ideas, bringing positive values to the economy and society and moving towards Vietnam's sustainable development goals. Through this research, UEH continues to affirm its pioneering position in implementing the City-University model and executing its strategy on science-technology, innovation, digital transformation, international integration, legal framework enhancement, and private economic development, thereby promoting the nation's sustainable growth and deep integration.

Memorable moments throughout the project: