Innovation and creativity: Driving sustainable development

Innovation and creativity serve as a driving force for sustainable development and a key to improving management effectiveness and leadership capacity, particularly in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In Binh Duong, innovative initiatives have led to breakthroughs in economic management and are helping to effectively achieve the goals set by the 11th provincial Party Congress for the 2020-2025 term.

A pillar of development strategy

From the 6th to the 8th Party Congresses, the Party identified innovation and creativity (I&C) as a pillar of the national development strategy. In practice, this process not only enhances production quality, but also provides a powerful impetus for industrialization and modernization, laying the foundation for sustainable development. In the current context, the importance of I&C has been further emphasized at the 13th Party Congress.

In the 2030 Science, Technology (S&T), and Innovation Development Strategy, the Government affirms that S&T and innovation are top national priorities, playing a breakthrough role in the new phase. They are the primary drivers of growth, competitiveness and national digital transformation. These directions not only aim at improving the quality of people’s life, but also contribute to sustainable development, ensuring national defense & security, positioning Vietnam on the global stage to realize the ambition of becoming a global powerful country.

Innovation plays a key role in all aspects of society, especially in State management and is essential to enhancing the leadership capacity and combat strength of the Communist Party of Vietnam. In the context of globalization and the rapid advancement of S&T, innovation not only improves the efficiency of State management, but also drives modernization and industrialization, contributing to the country's sustainable development. The application of science and technology achievements in policy formulation and implementation helps make State management more effective, reduce costs and time, and increase transparency and accountability.

Recently, the Politburo issued the Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on December 22, 2024, focusing on breakthroughs in the development of S&T, Innovation and National Digital Transformation. The Resolution emphasizes that the development of S&T, innovation and digital transformation is a decisive factor for the national progress. It is the prerequisite and the best opportunity for Vietnam to develop into a prosperous and powerful nation in the new era—an era of national growth and advancement.

Breakthrough decisions and policies

Affirming the critical role of S&T and Innovation in socio-economic development, particularly in key sectors, the 11th provincial Party Congress for the 2020-2025 term emphasized the continued restructuring of the economy. The focus is on shifting the industrial structure by attracting investment, applying S&T and innovation, and leveraging high-quality human resources. The goal is to develop Binh Duong into a sustainable, smart, civilized and modern city. By 2030, Binh Duong aims at becoming a modern industrial hub and by 2045, a smart region not only for the local area, but for the entire country.

Binh Duong has been a pioneer in utilizing modern technologies to enhance the monitoring and management capacity of State agencies. The province has implemented an electronic information management system and advanced data analysis tools, significantly improving operational efficiency and the quality of public services. Notably, Binh Duong has introduced several breakthrough decisions and policies to create a favorable environment for the development of S&T and innovation. One key document is Decision No. 742/QD-UBND, which has contributed to the province’s outstanding achievements, solidifying its international position and promoting socio-economic development, national defense, security, and global integration. Specifically, Binh Duong’s Smart City and Innovation Region were honored as Top 1 by the World Smart Community Forum (ICF) in 2023. In 2021, Binh Duong was recognized by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) as the “Pioneer Locality in Building the National Innovation Ecosystem”.

In addition, Binh Duong places great emphasis on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the creative sector. The solutions and policies supporting these businesses are outlined in provincial People's Council’s Resolution No. 22/NQ-HĐND and provincial People's Committee’s Decision No. 826/QD-UBND. Furthermore, provincial Party Committee's Resolution No. 05-NQ/TU on Digital Transformation in Binh Duong by 2025, with a vision to 2030, and provincial People's Committee’s Decision No. 937/QD-UBND have provided the necessary legal framework and support to accelerate digital transformation efforts in the province. The focus on digital transformation, digital economy and digital society not only establishes the foundation for e-government and digital governance, but also strongly drives innovation in Binh Duong. As a result, the business and innovation environment in Binh Duong has improved, creating favorable conditions for new initiatives and boosting the province’s Innovation Index.

Binh Duong is also contributing to the advancement of innovation and sustainable development across the country, aligning with the nation’s mission to build an era of smart and modern industry.

The result of Binh Duong's 2023 Local Innovation Index ranking 8th in the country is a testament to the province's success in promoting innovation. With determination and unremitting efforts, Binh Duong is becoming a destination for innovation ecosystems for businesses and researchers.

Reported by Phuong Le-Translated by Kim Tin