The establishment of the Hanoi Innovation Center Joint Stock Company is not merely an organizational move but a reflection of strategic vision, aimed at shaping a new development model in which culture and technology converge to drive sustainable growth.

Realizing Resolution 57-NQ/TW through a new organizational model

Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW identifies science and technology, innovation and digital transformation as foundational drivers to enhance national competitiveness. As the capital, Hanoi views the implementation of the resolution not simply as carrying out a major policy but as a process of testing and shaping a new development model. In this model, the State not only administers but restructures how development is organized at a time when traditional growth drivers are approaching their limits.

A modern and vibrant Hanoi seen from above. 

According to city statistics, Hanoi is home to more than 70 percent of the nation’s science and technology organizations, universities and research institutes; 82 percent of laboratories, including 14 national key laboratories; and over 65 percent of leading scientists living and working in the capital.

The city also hosts more than 1,000 innovative startups, accounting for over 26 percent nationwide, and has the largest number of incubators and business support organizations in the country.

Despite its strong resource base to develop a comprehensive innovation ecosystem and form value chains from research and development to commercialization and market expansion, the Hanoi People's Committee notes that the city's innovation ecosystem remains loosely organized and faces limitations in investment resources, science and technology infrastructure and connectivity. The ability to mobilize participation from enterprises and scientific organizations is still limited.

Innovation activities and the number of startups remain modest. Commercialization of research results, technology transfer, labor productivity and competitiveness are still low. The city's scientific and technological potential has not been effectively leveraged to enhance product value, competitiveness and breakthrough economic growth.

Against this backdrop, the establishment of the Hanoi Innovation Center Joint Stock Company is seen as an urgent necessity. It is not simply a startup support organization but is positioned as a strategic coordinating institution, serving as the "conductor" of the capital's innovation ecosystem.

The "three-pillar" alliance shapes a new approach

The core of the center's operating model is a close linkage among three pillars: the State, scientists and enterprises.

The State plays a facilitating role by defining development challenges, building the legal framework and piloting controlled experimental mechanisms. Universities and research institutes provide knowledge, technology and high-quality human resources. Enterprises are responsible for implementation, commercialization and bringing research results into practice.

This approach reflects renewed thinking in development governance. The State does not merely manage but proactively restructures development organizations in the context of traditional growth drivers reaching their limits. Innovation is no longer a movement but a central component of the capital's development strategy.

Beyond supporting pure technology startups, the Hanoi Innovation Center is also expected to serve as a bridge between culture and technology, two distinctive strengths of the capital.

Hanoi boasts a rich cultural heritage, including the Old Quarter, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake, along with traditional craft villages, folk arts and distinctive cuisine. These assets are not only treasures to be preserved but also valuable resources for developing cultural industries.

As the digital economy expands rapidly, the application of technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality and big data in heritage digitization, smart tourism development, virtual tours and historical animation opens new creative spaces. When heritage is revitalized through technology, cultural value can be transformed into economic value.

With its coordinating role, the center can connect resources to promote virtual reality-based heritage digitization projects, develop heritage data platforms and create innovative products based on Hanoi's cultural identity. This approach preserves, refreshes and spreads the capital's identity in the digital era.

It is also how Hanoi implements Resolution No. 09-NQ/TU on cultural industry development, linking the building of a "Creative City" with the development of a knowledge-based economy.

A comprehensive support ecosystem for startups

To truly become a launchpad for young enterprises, the Hanoi Innovation Center will not only provide workspace or connect investment capital but also build a comprehensive support ecosystem.

An intelligent investment connection system, the HUB Network, non-disclosure agreement mechanisms and AI co-founder support will help startups optimize governance and capital mobilization from the earliest stages. Tools such as market mapping, green development networks and smart contract wallets will enhance transparency and automate transactions.

Alongside these are mentoring programs, training, direct funding, research and development support, financial connectivity, promotion of invention commercialization and expansion of international cooperation. Coordination mechanisms with competent authorities to ensure cybersecurity and protect data and intellectual property demonstrate a commitment to building a safe and transparent business environment.

With this approach, the center is not only a place to incubate ideas but a comprehensive service hub accompanying enterprises from ideation to commercialization and market expansion.

Creating new growth drivers for the capital

In the face of intensifying global competition, Hanoi cannot rely solely on administrative advantages or traditional resources. Innovation, the digital economy and cultural industries must become new growth pillars.

The establishment of the Hanoi Innovation Center demonstrates the city's strong political commitment to building a development ecosystem based on knowledge, technology and creativity. If operated effectively, this institution will help form value chains from research to development to commercialization, enhance labor productivity, increase product value and accelerate the digital economy toward a growing share of the capital's GRDP.

More importantly, this step affirms Hanoi's aspiration to become a regional innovation hub where intellect, technology and cultural identity converge, contributing meaningfully to the nation's rapid and sustainable development in the new era.