Despite the negative impact of COVID-19, Da Nang’s science and technology (S&T) industry has still ensured the effective completion of key tasks in tandem with setting specific goals for 2022 in an attempt to successfully implement socio-economic development targets.

Representatives of the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology (top row, right) and representatives of the Da Nang Youth Union signed a cooperation agreement at the Innovative Startup Festival in early December 2021. Photo: M.QUE

Maximizing all available resources to complete key tasks

Realising the goal of creating a favourable environment for S&T activities in the city, the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology is developing a mechanism to support the development of the startup ecosystem and promote the management of quality measurement standards, intellectual property, and nuclear radiation safety in the city.

Notably, the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology has granted a total of more than NVD2 billion in aid to 34 businesses to support them to foster technological innovation, including projects to manufacture new technological equipment for manufacturing, replacing imported goods, lowering product costs and applying advanced quality management systems and certifying products that meet standards and regulations.

In addition to accompanying businesses in their technological innovation journeys, the Department has given a combined total of more than VND1.7 billion in assistance to eight innovative startups and two incubators.

The donated money was spent on product development, technology improvement, the trial production of prototypes, the commercialisation of products and the launching of incubation programmes, the development of projects and products applying artificial intelligence, big data, and new business models.

The municipal government has adopted plans on the Programme on Intellectual Property Development by 2030. In parallel with intellectual property protection, innovation in measurement activities - one of the measures to improve the competitiveness of enterprises - has been given a special heed.

Enhancing operational efficiency of scientific and technological activities 

According to Mr. Le Duc Vien, the Director of the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology, in the coming time, S&T tasks continue to be organised in the form of long-term, intensive programmes with a focus on solving core practical problems arising from Da Nang's socio-economic life.

With a regard to business supportive moves, the municipal Department of Science and Technology will implement the municipal authorities-released policies on supporting enterprises in technological innovation in order to improve their research capacity, technology mastery, a capacity to absorb and apply technology for production and business activities, spreading new technology to the public, raising the production level for enterprises.

In mid-December, the municipal Innovative Startup Portal was put into operation at https://startupdanang.vn/. The portal offers its users useful information on latest technologies, creative ideas and innovations. In addition, the country’s support policies and programmes for startup businesses, detailed information about investment funds, as well as national and international events relating to startup support activities, are available on the portal. 

In addition, the Department of Science and Technology will maintain its stance on promoting startup networking events, especially the Da Nang Startup and Innovation Festival (SURF) 2022 and enhancing the role of the Da Nang Startup Network Coordinating Council in mobilising the active participation of all levels in promoting innovative startup activities. 

Reporting by MAI QUE – Translating by A. THU