The Australian Government has been investing in the development of an innovation ecosystem in Vietnam since 2018 through its flagship Aus4Innovation program. It has been announced recently that the Aus4Innovation program will be extended to 2028, making it a 10-year commitment with a total budget of AUD 33.5 million.
The Aus4Innovation program is delivered through a tripartite partnership between the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), CSIRO - Australia’s national science agency, and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST). To date, the program has explored emerging areas of technology and digital transformation, trialled new models for partnerships between public and private sector institutions, and strengthened Vietnamese capability in digital foresight, scenario planning, science commercialisation, and innovation policy.
After five years in operation across 37 provinces in Vietnam, the program has delivered some notable achievements:
- Laid the foundation for 82 partnerships between Australian and Vietnamese universities, research agencies, high-tech businesses, and policy makers;
- Established a pool of 875 trainers and experts through capacity building activities;
- Demonstrated 12 innovative solutions to exemplify how innovation and technology can solve socioeconomic challenges;
- Contributed to national policies on science, technology and innovation, as well as developed practical tools for innovation policy development to help contribute to a more enabling environment;
- Developed 8 platforms to enable collaboration in innovation across research institutes and businesses.
Speaking at the Australia-Vietnam Innovation Partnership Day, H.E. Mr Andrew Goledzinowski, Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam, said: “While Australia and Vietnam are at different stages of development, we share an ambition to base our future growth on science and technology, and the potential for increased international cooperation around innovation for global and regional solutions. Our innovation cooperation is substantial, efficient, and full of trust. It happens at all levels – individual, institution, and government, and proves to be enduring. As our two countries are working towards upgrading our relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, we will continue to deepen our cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, and knowledge and innovation.”
The partnership between CSIRO and MoST was formalised in 2018 with a Memorandum of Understanding to further science, technology and innovation collaboration. In June 2023, this collaboration has been being further enhanced through another Memorandum of Understanding between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and MoST, which was inked during the official visit to Vietnam by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“I’m delighted that the partnership with Australia, through the Aus4Innovation program, has delivered tangible, significant results that are having substantial positive impact on the lives of the Vietnamese people. With the introduction of the Strategy for the development of science, technology and innovation (STI) in Vietnam until 2030, the Government of Vietnam has affirmed the pivotal role of STI in addressing emerging economic, societal and institutional challenges. Our Ministry is working hard to meet the goals set by the Strategy; and knowing that in this process, we will have the support of a trusted partner like Australia is encouraging. We will build on the accomplishments of today to achieve much more in the next five years, and beyond.” H.E. Mr Huynh Thanh Dat, Minister of Science and Technology added.
CSIRO’s Executive Director of Growth, Mr Jonathan Law explained that the next phase of the Aus4Innovation program would build upon the solid foundations already established. “I am deeply encouraged that the Australian Government, through DFAT decided to continue to support this program for another five years, broadening our opportunities to pursue our endeavour to bring technology and innovation to life. Over the next five years, the program will put a stronger focus on areas of Vietnam’s priorities, such as resilient agriculture and food, as well as introducing appropriate interventions for the digital era, including responsible artificial intelligence. We’re also honoured to play a role in deepening research linkages and private sector connections between Australia and Vietnam."
Achievements of the Aus4Innovation program were exhibited in a showcase at the Australia-Vietnam Innovation Partnership Day at Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology. Policymakers, donors, knowledge institutes and enterprises came together to celebrate the success and extension of the program. These achievements can also be found on the program’s website.
With 2023 marking the 50th year of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam, the enhanced investment into Aus4Innovation is a meaningful demonstration of Australia’s continued commitment for the sustainable and inclusive development of Vietnam./.
For further information, please contact:
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang Ha – Aus4Innovation Program Manager
Email: [email protected] / Tel: +84 24 3774 0128