Scientific Seminar: Current Situation and Solutions for Enhancing the Innovation Capacity of Enterprises in Dong Nai Province in the Context of Digital Transformation

16 Jan, 2026

On January 14, 2026, in a spirit of cooperation to promote science, technology, and innovation, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), in collaboration with the Dong Nai Provincial Department of Science and Technology and the National Economics University (NEU), hosted a scientific seminar on the theme "Current Situation and Solutions for Enhancing the Innovation Capacity of Enterprises in Dong Nai Province in the Context of Digital Transformation." The seminar was attended by leaders from various departments and agencies, as well as representatives from educational institutions, experts, scientists, and the local business community.

An overview of the seminar.

This scientific seminar is a key activity within the framework of two national-level science and technology research projects: "Researching the Scientific Basis and Proposing Solutions for Sustainable National Industrial Development to 2030, with a Vision to 2045" (code: KX.01.09/21-30), and "Refining the Policy System to Enhance the Innovation Capacity of Vietnamese Enterprises in the Context of Digital Transformation" (code: KX.01.02/21-30).

Attending the seminar from the Dong Nai Provincial Department of Science and Technology were: Mr. Vo Hoang Khai – Deputy Director; Mr. Nguyen Thanh Phong – Deputy Director; along with leaders from other provincial departments such as Culture, Sports and Tourism; Industry and Trade; Education and Training; and Home Affairs.

From NEU, attendees included: Dr. Trinh Mai Van – Deputy Head of the Department of Scientific Management; and senior lecturers Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thua Loc and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Hieu.

From UEH, attendees included: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet – Chairwoman of the UEH Alumni Executive Committee; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Duong Phuong Thao – Deputy Head of the Department of Research - Development and Global Engagement (RDGE); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong Nham – Acting Dean of the Institute of Innovation; and Dao Thi Minh Huyen, M.A. – Acting Head of the Office of the UEH College of Technology and Design.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Vo Hoang Khai, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Provincial Department of Science and Technology, emphasized: "Over the past period, the Dong Nai Department of Science and Technology and UEH have engaged in many collaborative activities in a spirit of partnership and shared problem-solving. Today's seminar marks another important milestone in that collaboration, creating a space to exchange practical experiences and propose recommendations for refining policies and guiding local development in the coming period."

A representative from the leadership of the Dong Nai Provincial Department of Science and Technology delivering the opening remarks.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet, Chairwoman of the UEH Alumni Executive Committee, shared: "This seminar is an important scientific forum that effectively connects research, practice, and policymaking. The discussions here will help clarify the scientific foundations and policy implications for sustainable national industrial development. They will also support the refinement of orientations and solutions to enhance the innovation capacity of enterprises in Dong Nai Province in the context of digital transformation, thereby improving governance capacity, competitiveness, and the quality of growth for Vietnam in the next phase."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet speaking at the seminar.

At the seminar, thematic presentation sessions focused on the practical issues of the locality:

The current situation and orientation for industrial development in Dong Nai Province to 2030, with a vision to 2045.
The current situation and solutions for enhancing the innovation capacity of enterprises in Dong Nai Province in the context of digital transformation.
Delegates analyzed the practical situation of business operations, identified barriers related to policies, resources, and growth model transformation—especially for small and medium-sized enterprises—and proposed recommendations to support businesses in enhancing their competitiveness. These included proposals for growth model transformation, digital transformation, green industry development, and strengthening innovation.

Delegates engaging in discussion at the seminar.

The seminar concluded with many insightful discussions, creating a forum that connected regulatory agencies, the research community, and the business community. It also laid the foundation for enhancing governance capacity, competitiveness, and growth quality, aiming for the sustainable industrial development of Dong Nai and Vietnam in the new context. This continues to affirm UEH's role as a partner on the journey of connecting knowledge with local research and practice, contributing to policymaking and sustainable development.