Deploying smart city - elevating Binh Duong on the international arena

With a sound and steadfast strategy in the process of building a smart city, Binh Duong has increasingly affirmed its brand and expanded its reach on the international stage.

Formation of an innovative ecosystem

Originating from the visionary State, in 2016, Binh Duong province embarked on the construction of the Smart City project, applying the triple helix model from Eindhoven (Netherlands) to promote collaboration between (1) the State, (2) businesses, and (3) educational institutions and research centers. This aims to create conditions and incentives for all organizations in society to invest in development. Building a smart city is the embodiment of the strong aspirations of Binh Duong's leaders, government, businesses, and residents to rise and thrive.

Mr. John Jung, co-founder of the World Smart Community Forum, visits the Smart City ecosystem model at the Eastern International University

With the triple helix model, Binh Duong has gradually formed an innovative ecosystem, in which the State is the main driving force to encourage and create conditions for businesses, institutes, and schools to jointly build and serve the community. As of 2022, the province has 8 universities, 8 vocational colleges, and 16 vocational schools, along with 45 vocational training centers. Binh Duong has built and developed a startup ecosystem, fostering innovation and creativity, including the Techlabs and Fablabs networks, the Manufacturing and Innovation Center, and startup facilities such as the Innovation Center (BIIC), the 4^th Industrial Revolution and Smart Manufacturing Center (SMIC), Block71, and the Becamex Business Incubator.

Ph.D.Ngô Minh Đức, President of Eastern International University, stated that in recent years, the university has invested in building an innovative ecosystem, promoting the application of the 4^th industrial revolution, and establishing close connections and relationships with the business community. The university currently includes an Entrepreneurship Incubator with complete models, creative spaces, and a startup ecosystem, along with various modern equipment to support and accelerate the development of student startup ideas. The university's innovation center is also a hub that connects the business community with students, thereby promoting early recruitment activities.

Digital transformation is being implemented province-wide, with the establishment of electronic governance in state agencies and the establishment of an Intelligent Operations Center (IOC) to meet the needs of citizens and businesses.

Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha, Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, emphasized that in this new phase, amidst the backdrop of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and strong digital transformation in all sectors, development based on innovation and the application of science and technology, especially emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, the Internet of Things, and automation, will be powerful driving forces reshaping industries and societies worldwide.

Therefore, in the new development phase, provincial leadership always pays attention to and encourages the active implementation of proactive solutions to anticipate the trends of Industry 4.0, expand the development of various service sectors, focus on developing high-quality human resources, build sustainable urban areas, balance economic development with social progress and green growth.

With the vision and determination of provincial leadership, the initial development of a smart city has achieved positive results. The province has created a synchronized infrastructure, continuously leading in public-private partnerships and international cooperation. Step by step, it has developed key arterial roads, promoting and connecting a system of internationally standardized industrial zones, laying the foundation for attracting foreign direct investment and urban development, driving the province's socio-economic advancement.

Affirming the brand

Currently, Binh Duong is the locality with the highest per capita income in the country and ranks second in attracting FDI. Many urban areas have been built to meet the increasing population and business demands. The province has become a shining example of social housing development investment in the country. In addition, the Binh Duong Industrial - Service - Urban Complex, covering an area of 4196 hectares with the new city of Binh Duong, is a typical example of this development.

Binh Duong is currently constructing a new generation industrial ecosystem, providing impetus for the province's development. In order to successfully build a "new generation industrial ecosystem, aligned with the fourth industrial revolution, green, intelligent, and sustainable development," Binh Duong is actively promoting the development of green industrial infrastructure and creating a foundation to attract investment in high-tech industries.

The innovative and creative region of Binh Duong, which is the focal point of the Smart City project in the new development phase of Binh Duong, has been honored by the International Community of Smart Communities (ICF) as a Smart21 recipient for five consecutive times. In the years 2021, 2022, and 2023, Binh Duong has been included in the Top 7 list of exemplary communities with strategic development for smart cities.

Recently, the smart city - Binh Duong Innovation Region has been honored with the highest award, Top 1 ICF 2023, by the ICF. Mr. John Jung, co-founder of ICF, stated, "Building a smart city and participating in international organizations like ICF has contributed to promoting Binh Duong's image globally. The Binh Duong Smart City project is a truly promising model, as evidenced by the fact that Binh Duong has attracted numerous investors and renowned multinational corporations. This is the epitome of Binh Duong's success."

Reported by Phuong Le – Translated by Vi Bao