Innovation in science and technology drives Hai Phong’s breakthrough development
With a strategic vision, Hai Phong has identified science, technology, and innovation as the driving force to enhance competitiveness and lay the foundation for breakthrough development in the new stage.
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Strong investment in science and technology
Hai Phong has made remarkable progress in science and technology investment during 2020 - 2025. The city’s budget allocation for this field increased by more than three times, from 63 billion VND in 2021 to 217 billion VND in 2024.
The city has developed 41 national-standard laboratories and actively attracted investment in science and technology, most notably a nearly 100-ha complex of education, science-technology, and urban development specializing in high technology, AI, and semiconductors.
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In the western part of the city, many projects have been applied to production and daily life, with investment in 127 topics and projects in agriculture (50.4%), medicine and pharmaceuticals (18.1%), social sciences (19.7%), and engineering, technology (11.8%).
The average technology renewal rate reached 15.02%, helping Hai Phong maintain third place nationwide in the innovation index for two consecutive years (2023 - 2024), clearly reflecting its development orientation based on knowledge and technology.
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To date, 100% of seaports have applied the TOS management system, over 40% have deployed digital port platforms, moving towards an intelligent logistics ecosystem; 24 out of 25 medical facilities and 100% of schools have adopted electronic payments.
Telecommunications infrastructure has also received strong investment, with 4,690 BTS stations, 4G coverage across all residential areas, and 340 5G stations. As a result, the digital economy accounts for 27.19% of GRDP, placing Hai Phong among the national leaders.
In addition, the city has established cooperation with technologically advanced countries, connecting networks of intellectuals and overseas Vietnamese to mobilize collective strength for science-technology development, innovation, and digital transformation.
Vibrant startup ecosystem
The establishment of the Innovation Startup Support Center has spurred a strong startup movement. Regular activities such as Techfest Haiphong and the “Innovation Startup Café” provide spaces for entrepreneurs and startups to connect with investors.
To date, the city has had more than 300 innovative startup projects and enterprises, nearly 150 projects have received support, including over 70 newly established businesses. In the 2021 - 2025 period alone, the city has supported 133 startup ideas, with 28 projects receiving intensive assistance.
Techfest Haiphong has also become a local brand. This October, the event will be held under the theme “Unlimited creativity – Hai Phong reaching out to the open sea,” expected to gather more than 3,000 delegates and 270 exhibition booths.
Pham Hong Quat, Director General of the Agency for Startups and Technology Entrepreneurship under the Ministry of Science and Technology, remarked: “Hai Phong is emerging as one of the country’s brightest spots for innovative startups, connecting with many international partners and building a strong reputation at major technology forums.”
Towards innovative city
In response to new development demands, Hai Phong city has introduced many synchronous solutions. According to Pham Thi Sen Quynh, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology, the focus in the coming time will be developing marine science and technology, aiming to make Hai Phong an international center for training, research, and application of marine science and technology.
Accordingly, the department has advised the city to establish an innovation center for logistics and artificial intelligence; implement an operation platform for a free trade zone, functioning as an “operating system” for real-time management and monitoring of goods, ensuring transparency and preventing tax losses.
Nguyen Ngoc Thanh, Deputy Director of the Information Technology and Communications Center under the Department of Science and Technology, said the center has proposed standardizing data and integrating sectoral data into the city’s centralized database. This solution will support effective governance and administration, expand information exploitation capabilities, and contribute to building digital government and fostering innovation.
With strong political determination and substantial investment, Hai Phong is steadily advancing towards becoming an innovative city and a growth pole with regional and international influence.
VAN NGA