Strengthening Innovation Governance Capacity Toward Sustainable Sector Development

On March 2, 2026, University of Transport Technology (UTT), in collaboration with the National Agency for Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Development (NACENTECH), Ministry of Science and Technology, organized a training program entitled “Strategic Innovation Governance and Sustainable Sector Development Trends.” The program aimed to enhance the capacity of administrators and faculty members in planning and implementing innovation strategies in the new development phase.

Attending the program, on behalf of NACENTECH, were Dr. Phạm Hồng Quất – Director General; Mr. Hà Quốc Trung – Deputy Director General; and Mr. Nguyễn Đắc Bình Minh – Deputy Director General. Representing University of Transport Technology were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Hoàng Long – Rector; Dr. Trần Thanh An – Vice Rector; along with representatives of affiliated units, managers, experts, scientists, lecturers, and numerous interested participants. The guest co-speaker of the program was Mr. Samuel Ang – Senior Specialist from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

In his opening speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Hoàng Long – Rector of the University – emphasized that UTT identifies innovation as a strategic pillar in the University’s development. The objective of the program, he noted, is not only to update new knowledge but also to build a forum connecting academia with practice, promote linkages among training, research, and technology transfer, and thereby enhance human resource quality and competitiveness in the new development stage.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Hoàng Long – Rector delivering the opening remarks

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Hoàng Long and Dr. Phạm Hồng Quất presenting a commemorative gift to speaker Samuel Ang

Sharing at the program, Mr. Samuel Ang provided regional insights and international experience in innovation governance. He clarified the distinction between creativity and value-creating innovation, emphasizing that an idea becomes true innovation only when it is accepted by the market and generates tangible impact for enterprises, society, and the economy.Regarding Viet Nam, he noted that the country possesses significant advantages, including a dynamic startup ecosystem, a young and tech-savvy population, and strong adaptability. However, he also pointed out the need to address bottlenecks in university–research institute–enterprise linkages, capital connectivity mechanisms, and technology commercialization capacity.

Amid the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, Mr. Samuel Ang stressed that research institutions and enterprises should proactively collaborate with AI as a strategic tool to enhance productivity and generate new value. Drawing on international experience, he proposed priority orientations such as implementing regulatory sandbox mechanisms, improving the effectiveness of university technology transfer offices, strengthening intellectual property protection frameworks, and applying co-funding models with the State playing a leading role. These recommendations aim to position Viet Nam as a regional innovation hub in Southeast Asia.

Mr. Samuel Ang – Senior Specialist from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) sharing at the program

The discussion session was lively, with numerous exchanges focusing on the applicability of Mr. Samuel Ang’s recommendations to UTT’s context, particularly in integrating enterprise and local challenges into teaching, promoting technology transfer, and refining intellectual property mechanisms within the University.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Phạm Hồng Quất affirmed the orientation of strengthening the Institute–University–Enterprise collaboration model to comprehensively and sustainably develop Viet Nam’s innovation ecosystem. The program represents a concrete follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding signed between NACENTECH and UTT on February 10, 2026. In the coming period, the two sides will further specify cooperation contents, implement a joint appointment model for staff, and enhance Mr. Samuel Ang’s role as a strategic advisor.

Dr. Phạm Hồng Quất – Director General of NACENTECH delivering the closing remarks

Through this program, UTT once again reaffirmed its development orientation associated with innovation, proactively expanding domestic and international cooperation, and gradually building a dynamic and creative academic environment that contributes meaningfully to the sustainable development of the sector and society.