Binh Duong is enhancing international cooperation to develop science and technology (sci-tech), foster innovation and drive digital transformation. The province aims at becoming a leading destination for science, technology and innovation in Southeast Asia.
Expanding international cooperation
To date, Binh Duong has established bilateral cooperation with 14 foreign provinces and cities and is an official member of the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), the Horasis Asia Economic Cooperation Forum and the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA). Notably, since 2019, Becamex IDC and the National University of Singapore (NUS) Enterprise have collaborated to launch the Block 71 Saigon startup ecosystem. In 2023, the Vietnam-Singapore Innovation Center was established at the Eastern International University (EIU). In 2024, Becamex IDC and NUS signed a memorandum of understanding on further cooperation in digital transformation, research and development, innovation and startup.
Nguyen Van Hung, Chairman of Becamex IDC stated that the strategic partnership between Becamex IDC and NUS has marked a significant milestone in strengthening the relationship between Binh Duong and Singapore, promoting long-term cooperation in digital capabilities, scientific research, technological innovation and human resource development—key factors in realizing the province's future development vision. Professor Aaron Thean, Principal and Vice President of Academic Affairs at NUS shared: "NUS is honored to collaborate with Becamex IDC and the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) to advance digital skills, research and innovation in Vietnam. By integrating cutting-edge research and innovation with continuous education and talent development, we equip students and professionals in Vietnam with the essential skills for success in the digital era. Our partnership with Becamex IDC and VSIP reaffirms NUS’s commitment to fostering digital transformation and creating a widespread impact across the region”.
To drive sci-tech development, innovation and digital transformation, Binh Duong has been implementing major projects such as the World Trade Center in New Binh Duong City, the High-Tech Industrial Park, the Innovation Region Initiative, the Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 Development Center and the Vietnam-Singapore Innovation Center…Especially, in implementing the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024, on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation, Binh Duong will actively strengthen cooperation with international partners, sister localities, multinational corporations, international organizations and leading research institutes in science, technology and innovation in the coming period.
Attracting investment in research and development
In 2015, Binh Duong signed a memorandum of understanding with Eindhoven city in the Netherlands to collaborate on and implement the "Triple Helix" economic and social development model, involving the government, businesses and scientists. This memorandum marked the beginning of bilateral cooperation and the implementation of the "Triple Helix" model through the establishment of open research centers, business incubators and linkages with research institutes, universities and global research centers. This initiative has strengthened the competitiveness of local supply chains by attracting high-tech companies.
The "Triple Helix" model creates a broad foundation for jointly shaping a long-term shared vision and establishing appropriate strategies and action programs to drive Binh Duong towards becoming an internationally competitive hub for technological and economic development, particularly in the fields of innovation, services and high-tech manufacturing. By promoting the "Triple Helix" collaboration, Binh Duong has continued strengthening connections between vocational schools, universities and companies to meet practical skills and work experience standards in the labor market. FabLabs (fabrication laboratories) and TechLabs (innovative educational applications) can be utilized for teaching, promoting startup and assisting small enterprises in technology development. These facilities also serve as a meeting point for talents from universities and businesses. Currently, Binh Duong connects with a national program involving 45 vocational schools partnering with domestic companies. In the initial phase, universities and colleges with international models, strong infrastructure and the potential to attract businesses will be prioritized for participation in this program. Several reputable large enterprises with established relationships with the province such as Festo and Philips…are expected to take part in launching the project, contributing to innovation in manufacturing skills.
In this new phase, Binh Duong's development strategy focuses on knowledge and technology as the foundation for product innovation. Technology projects in the province aim at enhancing and attracting research and development activities, encouraging innovation and facilitating knowledge transfer. These initiatives link new technologies with provincial key industries and social challenges. Additionally, Binh Duong is establishing shared-use technology centers to foster collaboration in research and development. This model enables startup students, small and medium-sized enterprises, vocational schools and universities to access high-tech equipment sponsored by major industrial partners. The province also provides an extensive network of FabLabs, TechLabs and MakerSpaces to meet the practical needs of engineering students, startup businesses and small businesses developing their technologies.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Dinh Thien, former Director of the Vietnam Institute of Economics: "Binh Duong is a remarkable development success story of Vietnam. For five consecutive years from 2019 to 2023, Binh Duong has been recognized as one of the world’s 21 outstanding localities with a smart city development strategy (Smart21). Additionally, for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023, it has been honored as one of the seven communities with a global exemplary smart development strategy. Notably, in 2023, Binh Duong was ranked No. 1 by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF)”.
Reported by Phuong Le-Translated by Kim Tin
