Conditions created to promote creative start-up activities

In 2020, the implementation of the province's start-up policy will be associated with the operation of the Center for Community Initiatives and Start-up Support in Binh Duong Province. On this issue, we discussed with Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong, Director of Department of Science and Technology.

Young human resources in the province really need support to start a business and start a business. Photo: Xuan Thi

- Department of Science and Technology is assigned by the province to implement many activities to promote creative start-up and build a startup ecosystem, so far how is it going, sir?

- In order to promote the development of creative startups, in the past years, the Department of Science and Technology has presided over many plans suitable to the local situation and practical conditions. Accordingly, the Department of Science and Technology has implemented the prerequisite activities, promoting the formation of a startup ecosystem of Binh Duong such as conducting laboratory surveys at universities and colleges in the province for the purpose of development. development into manufacturing laboratories (Fablabs) and technology laboratories (Techlabs); take part in training courses, conferences, seminars; organize tours, learn models to support the development of startup ecosystems in localities throughout the country.

Department of Science and Technology has advised the Provincial People's Committee to issue many plans and support mechanisms for start-up activities. In 2019, the Department of Science and Technology consulted the Provincial People's Committee and was approved by 3 provincial People's Committees to create an important basis to promote creative start-up activities, contributing to the flow of investment capital, especially for small and medium businesses. In addition, the Department of Science and Technology has carried out necessary procedures to develop the spaces of the Center for Community Initiatives and Start-up Support in Binh Duong Province. After nearly a year of construction, on November 24, 2019, along with a series of smart city events, the center was officially inaugurated and ready to go into operation.

In addition, in 2019, the Department of Science and Technology advised the Provincial People's Committee to issue a decision to establish 3 Fablabs at Thu Dau Mot University, Vietnam - Singapore Vocational College and at the Center for Community Initiatives and Startup Support. Industry. According to the orientation, the Fablab after going into operation will form the Fablab system throughout the province, providing the space and machinery, equipment necessary to support individuals, startup groups, students and the community. The province carried out research and development of ideas and products in the field of biotechnology, the field of mechatronics and other fields.

Since 2017, the Department of Science and Technology has organized a lot of training courses, including start-up knowledge training for officials, civil servants of departments, agencies and localities, officials working for Union, Union and Women needs. To develop business and training models for lecturers and students at schools in the province. Following the success of the Festival of Innovative Experience Models and Technology Playground 2018, in 2019, Department of Science and Technology in collaboration with Department of Education and Training organized STEM/STEAM Education Workshop: Going from spreading Practical experience to creative thinking, with the purpose of providing and sharing the knowledge and experience related to STEM education such as developing entrepreneurial thinking and connecting the community through STEM education.

- Sir, how will the Center for Community Initiatives and Start-up Support work in the coming time to promote effectiveness?

- The Center for Community Initiatives and Start-up Support is a space for organizing start-up and innovation activities, supporting small and medium enterprises and developing initiatives for smart cities. , managed and operated by Department of Science and Technology. Some support spaces at the center include: shared space, group work rooms, meeting rooms, online meeting rooms that provide free seats and utilities for individuals and startup groups; Fablab manufacturing laboratories provide machinery and equipment for creating test products; improve and improve product quality; a wide range of machinery and equipment including 3D printers, UV engraving machines, mini CNC machines, welding machines, grinders, drills, sewing machines; mechanical, electric tools, etc.

STEM/STEAM training space: Serving STEM source teacher training programs, STEM experience classes. Supporting space for SMEs: Supporting legal procedure consultancy for SMEs and newly established enterprises in terms of establishment procedures, taxes, customs ... Space for relaxation and intellectual property search The wisdom helps groups learn about the research, inventions and solutions that have been implemented at home and abroad; Training space and event organization specializing in training programs, training, events, conferences and seminars related to the four main activity groups of the center. Space for Smart Cities Initiative: Receive and develop initiatives and practical tests for smart city development.

The center focuses on four main groups of activities: Providing space, facilities for activities: Supporting businesses in general and startups in particular, manufacturing laboratories for development. developing creative communities; organize capacity building programs for startup projects, small and medium enterprises; science, technology, engineering and math oriented education programs and other training programs for smart city development; support start-up, start a business and promote technological innovation.

Interviewed by Tieu My – Translated by Vi Bao