(VOVWORLD) - The Australian government has helped Vietnam develop an innovation ecosystem since 2018 through its flagship Aus4Innovation program. Australia recently announced that this program will be extended to 2028, making it a 10-year commitment with a total budget of 33.5 million USD.
 Scientific study has been promoted in Vietnam. (Photo: Vietnam+) |
Since 2018 Aus4Innovation has operated through a tripartite partnership between the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology.
After five years in operation in 37 Vietnamese provinces, the program has established a pool of 900 trainers and experts and laid the foundation for 82 partnerships between Australian and Vietnamese universities, research agencies, high-tech businesses, and policymakers, according to CSIRO.
It has demonstrated 12 innovative solutions to exemplify how innovation and technology can solve socio-economic challenges. In addition, the initiative has contributed to national policies on science, technology, and innovation, and developed practical tools for developing innovation policy.
Addressing the Vietnam-Australia Innovation Partnership Day held in Hanoi on June 30, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski said the two countries share a vision of future growth based on science and technology and leveraging the potential of international cooperation in global and regional innovation.
As Vietnam and Australia strive to upgrade their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the two will continue to promote cooperation in trade, investment, defense, security, and knowledge exchange for innovation, said Mr. Goledzinowski.
 Huynh Thanh Dat, Vietnam’s Minister of Science and Technology (second from right), and Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski (first from left) at the Vietnam-Australia Innovation Partnership Day event. (Photo: VGP) |
Huynh Thanh Dat, Vietnam’s Minister of Science and Technology, said Aus4Innovation has delivered tangible, significant results that are having a substantial positive impact on the lives of Vietnamese people.
“Vietnam is one of the 17 priority countries in Australia’s innovation strategy. The Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy has created opportunities for the two sides to strengthen cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. Innovation has been one of the key pillars of the Vietnam-Australia strategic partnership,” said Dat.
In the next five years the Aus4Innovation program will focus more on Vietnam’s priority areas, which include sustainable agriculture and artificial intelligence. Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization will continue to act as a bridge in promoting research cooperation and connecting the private sectors of the two countries.