Innovation opens up society to become the driving force of the mass start-up movement
The workshop "Social innovation - Promoting innovative startups for all people" was organized by the Department of Startups and Technology Enterprises (Ministry of Science and Technology), National Center for Innovation and Startup Support and MSD United Way Vietnam.
The event took place right at the time Vietnam summarized Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, emphasizing the central role of people, businesses and social organizations in the innovation ecosystem.
Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Pham Hong Quat - Director of the Department of Startups and Technology Enterprises (Ministry of Science and Technology) affirmed that open innovation is an important driving force for Vietnam to solve challenges related to growth, population aging and urban pressure. He emphasized the spirit of solidarity as the "Sang Giong" symbol of TECHFEST 2025 will help the startup ecosystem develop sustainably.
Mr. Kees van Baar - Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam highly appreciated Vietnam's efforts to promote innovation for all people. He emphasized that technology must put people at the center and ensure equal access. According to him, innovation is only sustainable when it takes place in an open society, where everyone has the opportunity to participate and experience.
Ms. Nguyen Phuong Linh - Director of MSD United Way Vietnam analyzed that the social startup ecosystem still faces barriers in data, cooperation and human resource capacity. She believes that open innovation does not lie in technology alone but in the ability to open up space for people to participate, contribute data and create solutions together, thereby forming fair and sustainable values.
From a business perspective, Mr. Sun Sukkun - Director of Shinhan Square Bridge shared his experience in building a model connecting startups, businesses and communities in Korea and Vietnam. He believes that open communication and the companionship of the consulting team play an important role in helping startups create social impact in line with ESG goals.
Ms. Le My Nga - President of WeAngels Capital Fund commented that the Vietnamese startup ecosystem is dynamic but still needs to focus on real value, especially in the early stages. According to her, startups can only develop sustainably when they clearly identify community needs and orient appropriate models.
In-depth discussion and SOAR initiative to expand cooperation in the innovation ecosystem
Three in-depth seminar sessions brought multi-dimensional analysis revolving around innovation for all people, community data and future human resource development.
The first session, with the theme "Innovation for all people - Opening Vietnamese Aspirations", focused on the role of digital platforms in expanding opportunities for people, businesses and social organizations to participate in creating value. Speakers emphasized that innovation is only meaningful when it brings practical benefits to the community.
The second session discussed Citizen-Generated Data - CGD and opportunities for application in policy design and innovation. Here, the Organizing Committee announced the CGD 2025 Report and the Digital Voice Report on Digital Capacity for People with Disabilities in Vietnam, reflecting the practice of implementing CGD in sustainable development.
The third session emphasized the role of innovative thinking and self-study ability of the younger generation. Representatives of educational institutions and technology enterprises believe that future human resources must have the ability to adapt quickly, clearly understand their own values and know how to convert knowledge into practical solutions.
Closing the program, MSD United Way Vietnam officially introduced the SOAR initiative - a model of innovation that opens up society to promote responsible cooperation in Vietnam. SOAR is built on four pillars: optimizing business models associated with social and environmental impacts; co-creating with the community based on community data; a three-way cooperation model for startups - businesses/investors - communities; and a transparent impact measurement system.
The workshop is expected to become an annual activity of TECHFEST Vietnam, contributing to expanding the dialogue space between management agencies, businesses, colleges and the practice community, towards a sustainable and inclusive open innovation ecosystem.
TECHFEST Vietnam is the largest annual event for innovative startups, gathering thousands of domestic and international businesses, support units, experts and investors.
In the context of the strong development of technology, TECHFEST Vietnam aims to promote innovative solutions from startups, expand opportunities for knowledge access and global connectivity, mobilize domestic experts, intellectuals and entrepreneurs as well as overseas Vietnamese, contributing to the growth of the national economy.
At the same time, the event inspires and arouses the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship to all classes of people and businesses, especially young people and students, according to the Government's direction, demonstrating the aspiration to build a prosperous, civilized and deeply integrated Vietnam.
