Driving Breakthroughs in Science,Technology and Innovation

Over the years, the science and technology sector of Ca Mau province has consistently proposed solutions to encourage businesses to invest in research and innovation, significantly contributing to the province's socio-economic development. To learn more about the determination to accomplish the sector’s goals and tasks, our reporter interviewed Mr. Phan Tan Thanh, Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Ca Mau province.

Over the past years, how has the science and technology sector contributed to the overall development of Ca Mau province?

Over the past years, the science and technology sector of Ca Mau province has made significant contributions to the province's overall development. We have effectively addressed urgent tasks and practical problems faced by industries and localities, resulting in positive socio-economic impacts. The implementation of the Program on Building, Protecting, and Managing the Development of Specific Products has been a key achievement. This includes the protection of 12 collective trademarks, 14 certification trademarks, and two geographical indications. On average, 70 establishments are guided each year to register for industrial property protection, with over 50 receiving protection certificates.

Additionally, the state management of quality measurement, analysis, and testing has been strengthened to meet increasing requirements. Investment in the science and technology potential of public service units has improved, ensuring they meet operational conditions. The development of the science and technology market has also created a favorable environment for businesses. This has encouraged investment in technological innovation, leading to increased productivity, reduced product costs, and enhanced competitiveness in the context of global integration.

In the period of 2021 - 2025 and orientation to 2030, how will Ca Mau continue to leverage its strengths and identify new directions for science and technology?

The sector has advised on developing and implementing science and technology tasks aligned with the key socio-economic goals of the province, focusing on effectively utilizing its potential and advantages. This includes a strong emphasis on applying science, technology and innovation, as well as digital transformation. From 2021 to 2025, the province focuses on several key tasks, including researching and applying science and technology to develop the marine economy, adapting production and daily life to climate change, and advancing renewable energy. Other priorities include enhancing the value of the province’s key products through research, development, and technology transfer, supporting start-ups and innovation, and applying social sciences and humanities.

This approach provides the foundation for achieving breakthroughs in science, technology, and innovation by 2030. The province aims to develop its science and technology potential to meet national averages and ensure that science and technology contribute significantly to GRDP growth. The target is for science and technology to account for about 50% of economic growth through total factor productivity (TFP), with the provincial innovation index reaching the national and regional averages. To support these goals, mechanisms and policies will be established to promote and replicate successful science and technology results. Gradually, science and technology will drive socio-economic development, environmental protection, labor productivity improvement and green economic transformation, contributing to the sustainable development and international integration of Ca Mau province.

Can you describe how startup and innovation activities have been implemented in the province?

Startups and innovation businesses make a substantial contribution to the national GDP by generating revenue and creating new jobs. They also play an important role in promoting sustainable development and addressing social issues through environmentally friendly and community-beneficial initiatives.

Recognizing their importance, we are committed to implementing Decision 844/QD-TTg, which supports the National Innovation Initiative to 2025 (ISEV), along with projects aimed at supporting startups for women, youth, students and farmers. The province has made notable progress in this area by introducing several support programs for startup participants. Currently, there are 11 startup spaces and startup cafes, as well as a “Youth Store” and a website showcasing youth startup products. The provincial startup club, with over 50 members, meets monthly to exchange ideas and propose solutions to effectively support the local startup community. The province also supports the Wesolife project, which focuses on using electrolysis technology to treat shrimp farming water and has participated in domestic startup competitions. Additional support is provided to the "Vietnamese Sea Crabs" project and includes organizing the CamaUP'22 and CamaUP'23 events, which attracted more than 2,000 participants.

How do the recent positive changes in the investment and business environment in Ca Mau province present opportunities for the province’s science and technology sector?

The investment and business environment in Ca Mau province has recently seen many positive changes. Infrastructure, particularly in traffic and industrial parks, has been significantly upgraded. Policies to support businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, have improved, including enhancements to administrative procedures, loan support, human resource training, and tax exemptions and reductions. Local authorities have made considerable efforts to improve the investment environment and promote investment potential, which has successfully attracted both domestic and foreign investors.

Despite these encouraging results, Ca Mau province has yet to fully assess the level and capacity of production technology among enterprises or calculate the technological innovation index for the entire province. In response, we are committed to effectively implementing the 4th Industrial Revolution, supporting the movement of innovative startups, and improving the local innovation index (PII) to meet societal requirements. The sector will also focus on promoting applied research and innovation in production and daily life, developing local specialties and protected products to enhance their value. Additionally, there is an expectation for businesses to invest more comprehensively in science and technology development, particularly in new fields that support green, sustainable and environmentally friendly growth. This will contribute to advancing Ca Mau's development in a modern and sustainable direction.

Thank you very much!

By Bui Lien, Vietnam Business Forum