Hai Phong – Aspiration to Become a Modern Industrial City through the Strategy for Cooperation in Science & Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation for the 2026 - 2030 period

In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution occurring at lightning speed, science, technology (S&T), innovation, and digital transformation are no longer just choices but have become key drivers, deciding the success or failure in the socio-economic development process of every locality. Recognizing this mission, Hai Phong City issued Decision No. 2061/QD-UBND dated May 2, 2026, approving the Program to promote domestic and international cooperation in these fields for the 2026 - 2030 period. This is a pivotal document, concretizing the Resolutions of the City Party Congress and Action Plan No. 12-KH/TU of the City Party Standing Committee to create a strategic breakthrough. Today, I would like to present this speech to clarify the directions, tasks, and expectations of the city in the next five years.

The highest goal of the Program is to maximize the potential from the Central government, other localities, and international resources to enhance the city's endogenous S&T capacity. The city will not just stop at acquisition but must aim to master and innovate technology, based on promoting Hai Phong's specific advantages such as seaports, logistics, processing and manufacturing industries, and the maritime economy.

Hai Phong aspires to become a modern industrial city and a leading national center for maritime science research and training. To achieve this, building a sustainable innovative startup ecosystem and strengthening strategic cooperation with the world's leading technology corporations is a mandatory requirement.

In the 2026 - 2030 period, domestic cooperation is identified as the foundation to consolidate core values, focusing on three main pillars:

First, research cooperation and the "Triple Helix" linkage: The city will promote cooperation with at least 3 - 5 S&T organizations, institutes, and central universities to solve problems regarding mechanisms, policies, and green, sustainable economic models. In particular, the linkage mechanism between S&T Organizations - Universities - Enterprises will be standardized to shorten the distance from laboratory to market, ensuring that research results are transferred directly to businesses.

Second, digital infrastructure and smart governance: Hai Phong is determined to lead in digital infrastructure through the development of 5G and 6G broadband networks and the implementation of a city-wide specialized data transmission network. The Intelligent Operations Center (IOC) along with a shared data warehouse will be the "heart" of the city, where every management decision is made based on real-time data analysis. A key breakthrough is the deployment of an AI Assistant to support officials in document checking, report synthesis, and forecasting "hot spots" of social order.

Third, public service reform: Applying digital technology to automate processes, reduce file processing time, and provide high-quality online public services with "cross-administrative boundary" criteria. This not only reduces costs for citizens and businesses but also creates a transparent and competitive business environment.

International cooperation in this period is not just about cultural exchange but is a deep penetration into the global technology network.

• Prioritizing strategic partners: Hai Phong identifies partners with strong potential such as Japan, South Korea, and the USA as the focus of cooperation to develop high-tech and strategic technologies. The city will actively coordinate with countries that have strengths in the maritime economy to build excellent maritime science research centers.
• Attracting high-tech FDI: The city will maximize foreign direct investment channels, especially from multinational companies, to attract modern technology. At the same time, it encourages local businesses to form joint ventures, link up, and receive transfers of advanced equipment from abroad.
• Connecting overseas Vietnamese intellectuals: A humanitarian and strategic task is to attract experts and intellectuals living abroad, especially prominent Hai Phong people, to contribute to their homeland through teaching, policy consulting, and technology transfer.

All technological plans will remain theoretical without the hands and minds of people. The program sets the following goals:

• Providing regular digital skills training for 400 - 500 officials, civil servants, and businesses.
• Sending 8 - 10 elite officials for in-depth training and fixed-term work abroad to acquire the latest technological trends.
• Building specific remuneration policies to attract and retain leading experts from home and abroad to work at research facilities in the area.
• Prioritizing training in "hot" fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital data, smart logistics, and automation.

To ensure the Program does not just stay on paper, the city has assigned very specific and drastic tasks:

• Department of Science and Technology (Standing Agency): Responsible for leading and connecting the city with research institutes and universities at home and abroad; building a technology supply-demand connection platform and an expert network.
• Department of Foreign Affairs: Acts as a diplomatic bridge, integrating S&T content into international external events and leading the construction of a database of overseas Hai Phong intellectuals to mobilize "brainpower" for the city.
• Department of Finance: Ensures the allocation of budget resources and other legal funding sources to realize training and research projects.

The Program to promote cooperation in S&T and digital transformation for the 2026 - 2030 period is a testament to the sharpness and high political determination of the city's leaders. Hai Phong is facing a once-in-a-thousand-year opportunity to break through. The success of this program will not only change the economic face of the Port City but also lay the foundation for a civilized digital society where technology serves people most effectively.

Hai Phong not only wants to keep up with the times but also wants to lead and shape the future. With the joint efforts of the "Triple Helix" and the support of international partners, it is believed that Hai Phong will soon achieve the goal of becoming a center for maritime science, technology, and modern industry in the region and the world.