Implementing Resolution No. 86/NQ-CP dated April 5, 2026, of the Government regarding the Promulgation of the National Strategy for Innovative Startups, the Hai Phong City People’s Committee has officially issued Plan No. 188/KH-UBND. This plan aims to concretize the goals and solutions for developing the innovative startup ecosystem in the city for the 2026–2030 period. It is considered a landmark action plan, identifying science, technology, and innovation as the key drivers for the city to break through in the digital era.
Strategic Significance and Long-term Vision
Plan 188 is not merely about achieving administrative targets; it carries vital significance for the sustainable development of the port city. Innovative startup is defined as a long-term national strategy and the responsibility of all people and the entire political system. The implementation of this plan in Hai Phong aims to create a crucial motivation to improve labor productivity, solve socio-economic challenges, and strongly promote the city's industrialization and modernization.
The deepest meaning of the Plan is the aim for a powerful mindset transformation. Hai Phong is determined to shift from viewing startups as "the government's job" to building a "culture for all people". In this environment, starting a business becomes a respected career choice, innovation becomes a daily habit, and the community stands ready to accept risks and tolerate failure to reach greater successes in research and technology development.
Purpose and Ambitious Target Metrics
The core purpose of Plan 188 is to create the most favorable environment for every organization and individual to participate in startups based on science, technology, and digital transformation. Hai Phong aims to build a comprehensively developed ecosystem that provides synchronized support services and strongly develops high-quality human resources.
Regarding general goals, the city strives to become a key innovative startup hub for the Northern region and the entire country. Hai Phong positions itself to lead in technology sectors linked to its traditional strengths, such as the maritime economy and smart logistics, as well as modern manufacturing industries like semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).
To realize this vision, the city has set very impressive specific goals for 2030:
- Bring the city's innovative startup ecosystem into the top 200 global startup ecosystems or rank 3rd in the country.
- Maintain the Local Innovation Index (PII) steadily in the leading group and strive for 3rd place nationwide.
- At least 450 innovative startup enterprises citywide, with at least 01 enterprise having the potential to become a "soonicorn".
- 100% of higher education and vocational training institutions integrate startup and innovation content into their training programs.
- Establish and stably operate the City Venture Capital Fund, while attracting at least 03 international venture capital funds to set up headquarters or branches in the locality.
7 Core Groups of Tasks and Implementation Solutions
To achieve these objectives, Plan 188 outlines a roadmap with synchronized and decisive solution groups:
- Communication and Spreading Startup Culture: Focus on raising social awareness about the role of innovation through events such as the "Hai Phong – Innovative Startup Coffee" program and city-level competitions. The city will organize periodic honors for individuals, scientists, and entrepreneurs with outstanding contributions to the ecosystem.
- Developing Shared Infrastructure and Facilities: A breakthrough task is building the Science and Innovation Park to form a local innovation cluster. Hai Phong will upgrade its Innovation and Technology Application Center into a national-level center. Additionally, the city will pilot a controlled testing area (Sandbox) for new technologies and form open fabrication laboratories (FabLabs) for students.
- Perfecting the Legal Framework: Study specific policies such as digital startup visas to attract international tech talent. Pilot visa and work permit exemptions for foreign experts and advisors working at local innovation centers. Notably, encourage the formation of spin-off enterprises from research institutes and universities.
- Human Resource Training: Implement specialized STEM and STEAM training from the general school level. Encourage universities to transform according to the "startup university" model and build strong research groups.
- Technology and Digital Transformation-based Startup Support: Develop digital tools and AI Virtual Assistants to provide legal and financial advice for startups. Hai Phong encourages using local budgets to prioritize ordering and purchasing products from domestic startup enterprises through public procurement mechanisms.
- Capital Market Development: Establish the City Venture Capital Fund and promote connection activities with angel investors. Encourage large corporations to accompany and guarantee the consumption of startup products.
- International Integration and Cooperation: Maximize agreements with strategic partners such as the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). Hai Phong aims to form city innovation spaces overseas to expand markets and participate in global value chains.
Assignment of Implementation
To ensure the plan is implemented effectively, the City People's Committee has assigned specific tasks to focal units:
- Department of Science and Technology: Acts as the lead agency, advising on organization, coordinating the innovation network citywide, and synthesizing annual reports for the City People's Committee.
- Department of Finance: Leads the review and submission to competent authorities for balancing and allocating state budget funds to implement plan contents.
- Departments, Branches, and Localities: Build their own plans for their sectors and localities; actively form community startup spaces and integrate innovation into socio-economic development plans.
- Research Institutes and Universities: Responsible for concretizing solutions into their development strategies, promoting the commercialization of research results, and forming spin-off enterprises.
- Social-political Organizations: Step up propaganda and support for women, youth, and vulnerable groups to participate in startups; perform social oversight and criticism of related policies.
Implementation funding will be mobilized from the state budget, international aid, and socialized capital from the business community.
Plan 188/KH-UBND, together with the spirit of Resolution 86/NQ-CP, has opened a new opportunity for Hai Phong. With a methodical roadmap, clear targets, and decisive responsibility assignments, Hai Phong is taking firm steps to become a "Startup City" where intellect and creativity are honored as the main drivers taking the city to an international level during the 2026–2030 period.