Against the backdrop of powerful globalization and digital transformation, Hai Phong City has taken a breakthrough step by officially announcing a list of three “big problems” in science, technology, and innovation (S&T & I) for 2026. These are not merely individual tasks but integrated strategies designed to unlock all resources and exploit core competitive advantages to lead the port city into a new era of development based on knowledge and smart technology.
Context and Mission: Science and Technology as the New Growth Driver
On April 2, 2026, the Hai Phong City People's Committee Office issued Document No. 3482/VP-VX, conveying the instructions of Vice Chairman Hoang Minh Cuong regarding the publication of the city's list of big problems. This activity aims to strictly implement Program No. 02-CTr/BCĐTW from the Central Steering Committee on S&T development, innovation, and digital transformation.
According to central requirements and city plans, the selected “big problems” must be closely linked to Hai Phong's practical conditions, strengths, and specific growth potential, such as industry, logistics, marine tourism, and high-tech industry. The ultimate goal is to solve urgent issues, create clear economic growth drivers, increase labor productivity, and reform administration through digital transformation.
A Rigorous Selection Process with High Practicality
To find problems that are truly “big” and have multi-sectoral influence, the Hai Phong Department of Science and Technology implemented a thorough review, synthesis, and appraisal process. On March 24, 2026, the Department sent a dispatch to agencies and organizations across the city to register focal problems.
The results showed a strong response, with 19 big problems proposed by 14 units. However, prioritizing efficiency and feasibility, the Department of Science and Technology organized specialized workshops for selection. Many proposals, despite having social significance, were removed because the technology was outdated, the scope was narrow, or they fell under the regular authority of the units.
Ultimately, the three most symbolic problems—meeting standards for widespread impact, quantifiability through specific indicators (such as GRDP contribution or satisfaction rates), and the application of pioneering technology—were agreed upon for submission to the City People's Committee.
Problem No. 1: Building a “Smart Digital Free Trade Zone” Platform
Registered by the Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority, this problem is assessed to have extremely high practicality as Hai Phong strives to form a new generation of free trade zones (FTZs).
- Core Objectives and Content: The problem aims to build an integrated digital ecosystem, removing administrative barriers and optimizing trade operations. The system will digitize all logistics activities, customs procedures, and corporate governance. The key breakthrough is the application of Blockchain technology to ensure transparency, safety, and the ability to trace the origin of cross-border goods.
- Strategic Tools: Specifically, the problem requires building a “Digital Twin” model of the FTZ. This model allows managers to simulate all actual activities, test operational scenarios, and make strategic decisions based on real-time data. An Intelligent Operations Center (IOC) system will serve as the “nerve center,” providing intuitive dashboards for city leaders.
- Expected Results: Successfully solving this problem will significantly shorten import-export processing times, reduce operating costs for businesses, and create a massive draw for global strategic investors. This will serve as a lever to enhance Hai Phong's competitiveness within the ASEAN regional economic network.
Problem No. 2: Smart Tourism Ecosystem
Hai Phong's tourism industry aims to contribute 5% to the city's GRDP by 2030 and reach 10% by 2045. To realize these figures, the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism proposed building a smart tourism ecosystem based on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Implementation Strategy: This is a flexible technological platform that multidimensionally connects management agencies, travel businesses, accommodation facilities, and tourists. Tourism data will be digitized and automatically updated according to “correct, sufficient, clean, and live” criteria.
- The Role of AI: AI applications will play a central role in analyzing traveler behavior and consumption trends. From there, authorities can adjust investment promotion strategies, shape new characteristic tourism products, and confirm the Hai Phong tourism brand on the international digital map. This comprehensive connection will transform tourism into a truly spearhead economic sector.
Problem No. 3: Smart Digital Education Data Platform Integrated with AI
Education is the foundation for high-quality human resource development. The Hai Phong Department of Education and Training proposed a unified data platform that is interconnected across the entire sector, from the Department level down to communes and educational institutions.
- Technological Breakthroughs: The problem focuses on standardizing databases of students, teachers, curricula, and learning results, directly connecting with the National Population Database. One of the most important products is the Digital School Record, which helps make the training process transparent.
- Leveraging AI and Big Data: The power of AI and Big Data will be utilized for:
- Personalized learning: Suggesting appropriate learning paths for each student based on actual capacity.
- Early warning: Detecting students at risk of poor academic performance or dropping out for timely intervention.
- Human resource forecasting: Analyzing data to forecast teacher needs and student scales, especially forecasting labor demand by industry to provide accurate career guidance.
- Strategic Significance: Deploying this platform will help reduce paper-based administrative procedures by at least 50% and support leaders in making data-driven decisions.
Rejected Proposals: Lessons on "Size" and "Newness"
Looking at the initial list of 19 problems, many rejected projects provided important lessons in S&T thinking. For example, the Military Command's project to deploy video conferencing points was disqualified because it was essentially just equipment installation, lacking scientific research. The Department of Foreign Affairs' “Digital Foreign Affairs Map,” while meaningful, was not selected due to the need to concentrate resources. Similarly, the Department of Construction's “Online Building Permits” was considered a standard public administrative solution with existing technology.
This confirms that Hai Phong is not chasing quantity but focusing on problems with high technical difficulty that require creativity and have the potential to change the development landscape of an entire industry.
An Invitation to the Business and Scientific Community
By announcing these three problems on the City Web Portal, Hai Phong is sending an open message: the city is ready to “order” and accompany organizations, businesses, and scientists at home and abroad to solve these challenges. The City People's Committee has assigned the Department of Science and Technology to lead and continue reviewing actual needs to update the list of big problems.
The 2026 list of three big problems is the solution for Hai Phong's sustainable growth. When the “Digital FTZ” clears economic flows, “Smart Tourism” promotes the city's identity, and “Smart Education” prepares the human resources, Hai Phong will surely assert its position as the nation's innovation leader. The city enters 2026 with the highest political determination and most drastic actions to turn difficult problems into brilliant achievements.