On April 9, 2026, the Hai Phong City People's Committee issued Decision No. 1380/QD-UBND approving the "Hai Phong - Innovation City" project. This is not merely a scientific and technological orientation document, but a strategic plan aimed at restructuring the growth model to turn Hai Phong into an innovation hub in Southeast Asia.
- Concrete Steps Toward Strategic Resolutions
The project was developed in close alignment with Politburo directives, specifically Resolution No. 45-NQ/TW (regarding the development of Hai Phong to 2030, vision 2045) and Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW (regarding breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation). Decision 1380 serves as a central step to realize a smart economic development model and deep international integration. The Department of Science and Technology acts as the lead agency, coordinating with other departments and local authorities to implement the project synchronously.
- Core Content: A Comprehensive Innovation Ecosystem
The project establishes that innovation is no longer a supplementary factor but a central axis that governs the city's entire socio-economic development process.
- 2030 Strategic Goals: Hai Phong aims to become one of the leading innovation hubs in the Asia-Pacific region. The city strives to enter the Top 300 global startup ecosystem index (or Top 3 nationally) while maintaining leading positions in the Local Innovation Index (PII) and Digital Transformation Index (DTI).
- Infrastructure "01 Nucleus Center - 01 Nuclear Zone - Satellite Network":
- 01 Nucleus Center: Investing in the City Innovation and Applied Science & Technology Center to play a coordinating role.
- 01 Nuclear Zone: Commencing and operating the Hai Phong Science and Innovation Park(approximately 100 hectares) as a testing ground for new technologies for free trade zones and financial centers.
- Satellite Network: Establishing innovation centers within universities, research institutes, and large enterprises.
- Policy Breakthroughs (Sandbox): Hai Phong will pioneer regulatory sandboxes for new technologies and business models to attract "core technology" enterprises. This includes superior incentives regarding taxes, land, and finance, alongside the establishment of a Venture Capital Fund to support high-growth startups.
- Human Resources and Culture: The project emphasizes integrating innovation education into schools and training high-quality human resources in cutting-edge fields like semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and Big Data. The goal is to support at least 400 innovative startups by 2030.
- Strategic Significance: The Key to the Future
The implementation of this project marks a historic turning point for Hai Phong:
- Growth Model Transformation: Shifting from a resource-based and low-cost labor model to one based on knowledge and high technology, making innovation the main driver for GRDP growth and social labor productivity.
- Enhancing Competitiveness: Creating a distinct advantage to attract global technology corporations, R&D centers, and high-quality investment.
- Overcoming Internal Bottlenecks: Providing a comprehensive solution to eliminate fragmented ecosystems and strengthening the link between the State, Schools, Scientists, and Enterprises.
- Creating a "Dare to Think, Dare to Do" Culture: Fostering an innovative spirit among all citizens and management agencies.
- Roadmap and Political Determination
The project is divided into two main phases: (1) Phase 1 (2026): Focusing on research and establishing specific programs and plans to materialize tasks; (2) Phase 2 (2027-2030): Widespread implementation of annual research and application activities, with periodic reviews to allow for flexible adjustments.
Funding will be mobilized from diverse sources, including the state budget, development funds, and especially socialized sources from large enterprises. By approving this project, the Port City has affirmed its highest political determination to seize this "golden moment" to become a modern, smart industrial city and a primary growth pole for the country.