Japan and UNDP support the development of the National Innovation Center

(NLDO) - On February 27, an agreement was signed to support the development of the Vietnam National Innovation Center in the form of non-refundable ODA aid.

Accordingly, the exchange agreement to launch the initiative "Enhancing the capacity to support innovation of the Vietnam National Innovation Center" was signed by Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki; Ms. Ramla Khalidi, Chief Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Vietnam; and Mr. Vu Quoc Huy, Director of the National Innovation Center (NIC).

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki; Ms. Ramla Khalidi, Chief Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Vietnam; and Mr. Vu Quoc Huy, Director of the National Innovation Center (NIC) signed the agreement. Photo: UNDP

According to the Japanese Embassy, ​​the project is implemented in the form of non-refundable ODA aid.

The project has an implementation period of 18 months, focusing on three main results:

Creating a favorable investment environment: Support the establishment of the Vietnam Innovation Fund (VIF) under NIC, build a solid operating model following international models, including clear progress measurement indicators.

Strengthening the national innovation ecosystem: through enhancing collaboration and connectivity between government agencies, academia, research institutes and businesses through strategic partnerships and international collaboration. A key part of this initiative is the establishment of an Incubation Center (co-working space) at NIC Hoa Lac, supporting businesses to grow faster through design and experimentation, and promoting co-innovation by connecting Vietnamese businesses with international organizations to solve social challenges.

Enhance innovation skills and capabilities: Implement specialized training programs on innovation management and design thinking, in partnership with leading organizations, to equip businesses, innovation centers and government officials with the tools needed to drive innovation.

The project places a special focus on women's empowerment, aiming to involve at least 30% of women-led startups in key initiatives.

"By expanding access to capital, improving skills and promoting cooperation, the project will help maximize the potential of startups in Vietnam," said Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Representative in Vietnam.

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki believes that the implementation of the grant aid project for NIC in cooperation with UNDP - an organization with special expertise and experience in this field - is a very timely step in this important development stage of Vietnam. The Ambassador also emphasized the importance of social impact investment to address the challenges that Vietnam is facing.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/nhat-ban-va-undp-ho-tro-phat-trien-trung-tam-doi-moi-sang-tao-quoc-gia-196250227214611074.htm