Fostering innovation in Vietnam through the start-ups
In early 2014, Flappy Bird, a mobile game created by Nguyen Ha Dong - a Vietnamese software
developer, became a world sensation and was reported to generate $50,000 in revenue per day. Although
the bird no more flies because Dong deleted it from App Store and Google Play Store, it is an indicator of
potential for the startup community in Vietnam. Investing in technology and innovation can make a huge
return.
According to the 2010 Vietnam General Statistical Office survey, only about 20 percent of 8,000
enterprises have undergone successful technology improvement, and only 15 percent investing in
Research and Development (R&D). Globally, Vietnam ranks 115 out of 146 countries in the World
Bank’s Knowledge Assessment Methodology Innovation Index.
To improve the situation, in April 2012, the Government of Vietnam approved the National Strategy for
Science and Technology Development which sets the development of science and technology as a top
national priority. In 2013, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), in cooperation with some
domestic and international partners, released the Vietnam Silicon Valley proposal to develop an
ecosystem supporting startups in science and technology.
The World Bank has provided strong support for Vietnam to foster science, technology and innovation
(STI) in the country, which can help improve its competitiveness and provide inclusive opportunities for
the community.
How to foster STI in Vietnam through the startup community? What can the startup community
contribute to the development of STI? What are advantages and challenges that startups in Vietnam have
faced when investing in R&D? What can they learn from their peers in other countries?
Share your thoughts and ask questions!
Live chat session:
8:49 Huong Vu:
Hello. I am Vu Lan Huong. I am the Online Communication Producer for the World Bank
Office in Hanoi. Today, I will facilitate this online discussion.
Thursday May 22, 2014
8:50 Huong Vu:
The discussion will start at 9:30, but you can submit your questions and comments in the
form below. Thank you!
Thursday May 22, 2014
9:13 Comment From Guest
Where can we look for questions and discussion later?
Thursday May 22, 2014
Huong Vu:
You can read the discussion online and retrieve it later here on this webpage.
9:24 Huong Vu:
Our panelists are all here. The discussion will start in 5 minutes. Get ready.
Thursday May 22, 2014
9:28 Huong Vu:
Our guests include Ms Victoria Kwakwa – the World Bank’s Country Director in Vietnam,
Mr Tran Quoc Thang – Director of the Fostering Innovation in Vietnam Through Start-ups
Project, Mr Do Anh Tuan – Chairman and Managing Director of APPOTA, and Mr Bobby
Liu – Founder of Asia Start-ups Corporation.
Thursday May 22, 2014
9:30 Comment From Hoang Anh Tuan
Why does Vietnam need innovation? What does it mean to Vietnam’s development?
Thursday May 22, 2014
Tran Van Thang:
First, many thanks for your question. This is an interesting question that touches very
important aspects of our country’s development. We would lag behind in the global
integration if we are not innovative. We must improve productivity, and quality and
enhance the competitiveness of our economy if we want to pursue a sustainable
development and catch up with other countries in the world. The only answer here is
innovation. This means that we must apply scientific and technological advances in the
socio-economic development as one of the 3 most important measures being implemented
by our government.
Do Tuan Anh:
Many thanks, Tuan, for your question. I think, Vietnam needs innovation to accelerate
development. Innovation is a short-cut and helps us to benefit from lessons and
experiences of other countries, especially in the field of technology because this is a very
fast changing domain. We simply need innovation to avoid lagging behind.
Victoria Kwakwa:
First, I would like to explain what innovation is: innovation means renewing, making
changes, or creating more efficient processes better performing process, or new and more
effective ways of doing things. Innovation does not mean we have to invent new things. . It
can mean changing the business model or adapting to the new environment in order to
deliver better products. As such, innovation means improving productivity continuously
and effectively.
Innovation is important because it helps Vietnam to produce better products and to make
the best use of its new ideas and pool of talents. And improved productivity is key to fast
development. Innovation will foster Vietnam’s growth and development. New ideas will
help solve/address problems in medicine, agriculture, and other sectors. At present,
Vietnam’s productivity is not as strong as it needs to be. So, innovation is important for
improving productivity and for making breakthroughs to help solve problems in socioeconomic development.
9:34 Comment From Young Entrepreneur
I have a question for Do Tuan Anh and Bobby Liu: What is your advice for young people
and students who would like to start their own business and invest in research and
technology?
Thursday May 22, 2014
9:37 Comment From To Uyen
Mr Thang, how can we engage all people in the innovation process? The Vietnamese are
smart, some farmers can improve tractors, for instance, …
Thursday May 22, 2014
9:39 Comment From Quang Liem
Hi, greetings to representatives of the World Bank and Ministry of Science and
Technology. I have a plan to develop IT systems in transport and healthcare sectors. But,
as an individual it is extremely difficult to get access to information and data from
government agencies. Does MoST have any policy in place to assist such efforts in the
field? Does the Bank have any policy to support such IT plans? Thank you!
Thursday May 22, 2014
Tran Van Thang:
Thanks for your question. You are having plans to develop IT systems in sectors that are
very important in the national economy – transport, education and health. MoST welcomes
such plans and proposals to conduct specific research to find out solutions in the
mentioned sectors. Currently, there are many programs to support scientists, research
institutes, and universities to conduct research and to implement innovative ideas. These
include national research programs or KC and KX programs, the national technological
renovation program, the high tech development and application program, IT programs, etc.
Access to all programs is open to everyone and you can propose new ideas or request for
support under such programs. You can look for more details on MoST’s website at
http://www.most.gov.vn/
9:40 Comment From Bui Thi My Yen
1. Why did the World Bank choose Vietnam as the place to foster innovation? 2. Why did
you target entrepreneurs while their primary concern is profit? Why didn’t you choose
large enterprises that have resources for investment; they are also more willing to renovate.
3. Can the innovation process also be applied in social enterprises? How would it be
applied then?
Thursday May 22, 2014
Victoria Kwakwa:
The first part of your question is why the World Bank has selected Vietnam for this
initiative. The World Bank finds that innovation is important for all its clients, including
Vietnam. Innovation is not something that we start and end, but a continuous process of
looking for new ways of doing things and examining more effective approaches and new
breakthroughs. Therefore, we promote and support innovation in all client countries,
including Vietnam.
You also asked why we target start-ups, but not established corporations. First of all, we
would like to see innovations everywhere. But we start with start-up enterprises. Larger
companies and corporations are well aware of the importance of innovation and
incorporate it into their strategy for development as an integral part. But, innovations can
take place outside established corporations. Some people might have new and interesting
ideas and they want to test their applicability and relevance, and so they create start-up
businesses to try out. So, you see that innovation does not only take place in large
corporations. We certainly support innovations in large companies and corporations, but
we would also like to give small enterprises and individuals, men and women, a chance to
realize their new ideas. And that is a very important thing.
9:42 Comment From Helen
Hi Bobby! Where do you think Vietnam's start-ups standing in the global context? How
long will it take to catch up with start-ups in other countries?
Thursday May 22, 2014
Bobby Liu:
Hi Helen At present, Vietnam is at least 3-5 years behind SEA nations and more than 7
years behind Europe. Even though we are a few years behind, with proper support, it won't
need as many years to catch up. Vietnam has the talents, we just need the right support,
and some luck.
9:44 Comment From Do Van Anh
I find Tuan Anh’s profile very impressive. Can you share with us your start-up story?
What challenges did you face and how did you get over it? Wish you further success!
Thursday May 22, 2014
Do Tuan Anh:
Yes, thank you, Van Anh, for this question. It is a long story, but I would like to briefly
summarize a few milestones in our live chat today. I graduated from the History faculty of
Hanoi University in 2001. Nobody gave me a job so I had to make a living by running a
phone shop. In 2003 I created my first enterprise. I failed so many times so that failure had
become a normal thing. In 2007 I established a mobile phone technical center with 100
workers. But I failed again in 2009, as a result of which I had to sell my car and my home
in order to pay salary for the workers. Afterwards I took a job in a technology company.
There, I devoted all my energy to work and the most valuable thing that I received in
return is the knowledge ...
Do Tuan Anh:
When I left this company in 2010 I decided to start a new company again, but with empty
hands. Fortunately, I attended the start-up training course of Silicon Valley. I learnt how to
start a meaningful and sustainable business, and Appota was born as a result.
9:47 Comment From Phan Duc
At the present, Vietnam is far behind other countries in many sectors, and today’s
technology requires some level of integration.
Thursday May 22, 2014
9:48 Comment From caligarn
Hi guys, I'm Minh from Tech In Asia. I write about start-ups in Vietnam most of the time.
:-)
Thursday May 22, 2014
9:48 Comment From Guest
Thank you for organizing this event.
Thursday May 22, 2014
9:51 Comment From To Uyen
Mr Thang, how can we engage all people in the innovation process?
Thursday May 22, 2014
Tran Van Thang:
In order to engage all people in the innovation process we need to foster the relationships
in the triangle of institutions, universities and scientists where knowledge is produced, and
businesses, entrepreneurs and investors or the users of knowledge and government
agencies that promote and foster the rations hip of the two mentioned groups by adopting
relevant policies. This triangle is reflected in the National Innovation System (NIS). For
Vietnam, it is important to increase effectiveness and strengthen capacity of the NIS to
form the basis for creating an innovation culture in the community.
9:51 Comment From Tran Vo Lien Phuong Vietnam
Is there any prescription for a successful start-up?
Thursday May 22, 2014
Do Tuan Anh:
A successful start-up must be one that provides a solution for the customers, the market or
the society. And that start-up must sustain for long time. That is my definition of a
successful start-up. If you want to achieve that you must be committed to it, preoccupied
with it and never stop to learn and react. Every action, small or big, counts and has its
importance. And I would like to emphasize that success or failure is a human issue. It is
not about ideas or money.
Bobby Liu:
Hi. To build a successful start-up, it’s no different from building a new business. Firstly,
you got to have a great idea that solves real problems. Once you have a great idea, build
yourself a great team around you. Your team has to at least understand the vision you have
and assist you in their best possible ways to realize the idea.
Bobby Liu:
Possess the passion, without it, you can’t overcome difficulties when you’re building the
business. You have got to want it, for more reasons than just making money.
9:55 Comment From Duong Khanh Duong
I have a question for you, especially for Ms Victoria. What can the government do to help
start-up businesses considering that the economic recovery is slow and the government
budget is limited? I would appreciate it if you share with us some lessons of success in
other countries.
Thursday May 22, 2014
Victoria Kwakwa:
Start-up businesses face many risks. Therefore they need help to mitigate such risks. What
the government can do is to adopt clear, simple and stable rules and regulations. It is also
important to provide technical support and management knowledge to start-up enterprises.
New entrepreneurs may have great new ideas, but do not know how to realize or
implement their ideas. So they need to support to understand about business management, ,
including financial management. The government can play a role in providing
management training for entrepreneurs. And the most important thing is financing.
The government does not need to be the main source of financing, but it can create a
favorable environment for enterprises to get access to financing so that they can get
started. The government should also play a role in the provision of market information.
Given the limited state budget, the government cannot be a key source of financing for
start-up businesses. However, the government can facilitate the establishment and
operation of venture capital funds, and link start-up businesses with these venture capital
funds. The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry will play an important role in this
regard In a nutshell, the role of the government is to adopt clear, stable and businessfriendly regulations and policies, and facilitate better access to financing by enterprises.
9:57 Comment From Nghia Tran
Very interesting :)
Thursday May 22, 2014
10:02 Comment From Huong
In Australia, there are a number of Cooperative Research Centres which connect
governments, industries, and universities together in research and innovation activities. I
want to know whether there is such a centre in Vietnam?
Thursday May 22, 2014
Tran Van Thang:
As you already know there are several research centers in Vietnam, such as the High-tech
Park in ho Chi Minh City, and in the near future we will have one more in Hoa Lac High-
tech Zone. In addition, there are a number of other research centers as a result of the
cooperation among institutes, universities and enterprises. I would like to add that there is
a small component in the FIRST project of MoST. A center for the research and
development of source technologies will be constructed. This is exactly what you
mentioned before.
10:04 Comment From Tran Van Vu
Hello, I am a young graduate and have plan to start up a new company. How should I start
looking for investors?
Thursday May 22, 2014
Do Tuan Anh:
Hi Vu! As a first step you can familiarize yourself with the 3F concept - Family, Friends,
Fools. In other words, you can look for investors in your close circle, who understand you
best, who are close to you, who give you an unconditional trust. They can be your family
members, friends, etc. When you can produce value, bigger investors will come to you.
We are living in the age of modern information technology. Words about a good product
would spread out fast and investors will know about you.
Bobby Liu:
I agree with Do Tuan Anh of Appota, your inner circle is most important. Then focus on
your idea and build a great product with a great team, other investors will come looking for
you.
10:04 Comment From Pham Huu Nghia
Hello everybody! I am also starting up a business in social wifi. I would like to receive
support of the government and the community :)
Thursday May 22, 2014
10:05 Comment From Hoang Dinh Tu
Is it possible to watch the discussion later?
Thursday May 22, 2014
Huong Vu:
Yes, you can watch the whole discussion on this website.
10:05 Comment From Hai Ho
The World Bank has invested in a few tech parks and start-up hubs in Vietnam but it went
nowhere. Would you stop giving money to government related organisations and direct it
to start-up companies instead?
Thursday May 22, 2014
Victoria Kwakwa:
The World Bank has provided and is providing grants [in this regards]. We have supported
pilots of innovation start-ups in Vietnam. Among these, there are two initiatives in
technology and mobile phone sector. Besides, there is another project coming up in
cooperation with the Vietnam Innovation Center for Climate Change.
We should bear in mind that the government is a very important stakeholder in the
innovation eco-system, therefore the support will not be directed at government agencies.
Most of the support would go to entities established by start-up entrepreneurs such as
Topica and Start Center.
I would like to mention here two initiatives: mHub and Founders Institute. These are
projects implemented by Topica. Topica mHub has promoted the development of the
innovation community in the field of mobile phone. By organizing a series of events in Ha
Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, and other larger cities, and linking with the two very dynamic
online communities (Mobile Monday Vietnam and LaunchPad104), TOPICA mHub has
succeeded in mobilizing thousands of members countrywide. Monthly events attract the
participation of some 100 – 600 members who have innovative ideas. At the events,
members have the opportunities to meet with professionals and successful entrepreneurs.
The grant to TOPICA mHub finished in August 2012. The membership of these two online
communities has increased since. At the present, LaunchPad has 15,000 members while
Mobile Monday Vietnam has another 5,000 members.
Topica Founders Institute (TFI) received support from the Virtual Incubation Center. TFI
is considered by TechInAsia a successful start-up project that has bred and grown three
start-up groups. Recently, it was announced that one of the successful enterprise, Appota,
received a Group B grant (see more on http://www.techinasia.com/a...). This is one of the
most promising start-up businesses in mobile phone sector.
In the pilot project, mLab has demonstrated very promising business prospective in
creating an innovative eco-system in the mobile sector in Vietnam. mLab has promoted
demand at micro level. It has organized a number of events aimed at enterprises and
thousands of mobile software developers in the whole country. Nearly one thousand young
technicians received technical and entrepreneurship training. As a result, 54 start-up
companies have provided high tech jobs to 54 people and attracted USD 100,000 in
investment. However, the project also faced several problems such as its inconvenient
location outside the city center and the delay of several activities due to administrative
issues and mLab management change. At the moment the project is on hold. In early
2014 the World Bank and SHTP met up with stakeholders to find ways to achieve the
project’s long term objectives.
10:08 Comment From Tran Kim Hoan
I think, education for primary is important. The international school has got the science
lesson very attractive learning. So I want to parent and the school focus and learn from
international school for this lecture. So that we can creative the pupil love science
Thursday May 22, 2014
10:09 Comment From Quyen Quyen, Tech In Asia
Mr Tran Quoc Thang, which of the following is the most decisive factor for the
development of a start-up community in Vietnam? Is it venture capital, the government
support or the start-up groups themselves?
Thursday May 22, 2014
Tran Van Thang:
Thank you for your question. I think all three factors are important, but the government
support and the determination of entrepreneurs would be key to success.
10:10 Comment From Tran Van Vu
@Huong Vu: Here is a very interesting comment of Lan. Hopefully, the World Bank
would pay more attention to young people who plan to start a new venture because it is
them who have most aspiration.
Thursday May 22, 2014
10:14
Photo: Panelists respond to questions from readers.
Thursday May 22, 2014
10:15 Comment From Inflati
If it all comes down to just one thing that entrepreneurship in Vietnam is still missing or
insufficient, what do you think it is? Many thanks!
Thursday May 22, 2014
Do Tuan Anh:
Thank you, Inflati, for this interesting question. I think what is missing in Vietnam is the
positive effect of successful cases on the start-up community. In developed countries,
successful companies come back and support new start-ups with training, advice and
investment. That is their positive spill over.
Bobby Liu:
Hi Inflati. Exposure to all things outside of Vietnam.
10:16 Comment From Quang Liem
Hello. I have plans to develop products for the transport, education and health sector, but
as an individual it is very difficult for me to conduct survey on and to get data from
government agencies. My question: 1) Does MoST have any policy that gives me easier
access to government agencies? 2) Does the World Bank have any policy to support me in
developing projects for the benefit of the community? Thank you!
Thursday May 22, 2014
10:17 Comment From Luu Nhat Nam
I see a lot of start-up projects in the field of mobile phone, computer and e-trade whereas
there are not so many projects in other sectors such as agriculture. My question is what
need to be done to promote more start-up business in such sectors and is there any special
support in this regards from the World Bank?
Thursday May 22, 2014
Tran Van Thang:
My observation is that a similar trend is also taking place in other countries in the world.
Some sectors such as agriculture or some technical industries require huge initial
investments. This is a barrier to investment and start-up ventures. A facilitating and startup-friendly eco-system would improve the situation. In fact, various government
regulations and policies are already providing support in this regard such as the Law on
Science and Technology, the Law on High Tech, etc. Agriculture and other technical
sectors receive special support under such laws. And there are other more specific policies
in support of investors, researchers and start-up communities.
10:22
Photo: Mr Tran Quoc Thang answers a question from a reader.
Thursday May 22, 2014
10:24
Ms Victoria Kwakwa reads questions from a reader.
Thursday May 22, 2014
10:29
Mr Do Tuan Anh responds to questions from the readers.
Thursday May 22, 2014
10:30 Comment From Tony Bui
Would Vietnam be able to produce young, innovative and determined people who will
success like Mark Zuckerberg given the current mechanism?
Thursday May 22, 2014
Do Tuan Anh:
Hi Tony. I think such people can be born everywhere. It does not depend on a specific
mechanism.
Bobby Liu:
Hi Tony. Not just in Vietnam, I don’t think ASEAN can produce another Mark
Zuckerberg. For one simple reason, the fear of failure. It is the culture of the East and it’s a
hindrance.
10:30 Comment From Tran Van Vu
@Do Tuan Anh: Yes, thank you, Tuan Anh! I’d like to share with you a bit more about my
story. About a year ago, when I was a student, I came up with a new product. It was pure
interest. Later I asked more friends to join who have the same interest. During the one year
of experiment we had both successes and failures. It is a communication project. It is
impossible to ask for financing from families and close relatives. The only thing I have is
my friends. They have the same interest; they are willing to participate on a not-for-profit
basis. We all are eager to build the project. But this is not enough. I am looking for an
organization that can help me in the seed funding period. I am however not familiar with
arranging financing. I used to ask for grant support only. I have submitted proposals to 3
organizations, looking for advices and investment. I have not received any reply since 3
days, even a regret message or a request for more information. This worries me a lot
although our product has gained success some times. Would you recommend me some
partner or give me some advice. Thank you.
Thursday May 22, 2014
Do Tuan Anh:
Yes, please contact me later!
10:32 Comment From Do Thanh Ha
Mr Thang, is there any government policy aiming at supporting start-up companies,
especially those in the high tech sector?
Thursday May 22, 2014
Tran Van Thang:
Both the Law on Science and Technology and the Law on High Tech contain specific
clauses that support high tech start-ups. Additionally, MoST is also leading several key
national programs, including start-up support programs such as the National Technological
Renovation Program, the High Tech Development Program, the 592 Program for the
Support of Science and Technology Enterprises and Public Science and Technology
Organizations, etc. I would like to also mention here that MoST has recently established
the National Agency for Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization
Development. The new agency shall recommend policies and regulations for the support
of technology enterprises, with a focus on high tech enterprises.
10:34
Bobby Liu giving answers to the participants.
Thursday May 22, 2014
10:35 Comment From Duong Khanh Duong
Thank you, Ms Victoria, for giving a comprehensive answer to my question. The
information given is very important. I see more clearly the role of the government in the
process. However, I still need a practical lesson. Tuan Anh and Bobby, which role of the
government, do you think, is most important when we want to start a new business?
Thursday May 22, 2014
Do Tuan Anh:
Thank you for the question. During the start-up phase you need various kinds of support
ranging from premise, financing, infrastructure, tax incentive, legal service, etc. In my case
the first thing I would think of is a facilitating environment that is created by the
government. In the science and technology sector you often see new and unusual business
models that threaten to break the traditional rules. Without a facilitating environment it
would be very difficult to come up with new business models that create great value for
the economy.
10:37 Comment From Thanh Trung
Dear Bobby Liu. What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of Vietnamese startups? How should we improve? Thanks!
Thursday May 22, 2014
Bobby Liu:
Dear Thanh Trung, the inherent talents of Vietnamese is a great strength. Enhance that
strength by being open to ideas and suggestions. As for weakness, as mentioned earlier,
acquire as much exposure as possible.
10:40 Comment From Thanh Ha
How does the World Bank support the scientific and technological innovation in Vietnam?
Thursday May 22, 2014
Victoria Kwakwa:
As you know, overall support to education provides an important platform to boost
science, and technology, and innovation. We have a large program to support Vietnam’s
education sector, including higher education. In some of our higher education projects,
provide input support for research institutes and universities to conduct research and come
up with new innovations.
We also support Vietnam’s agricultural sector, especially supporting the Government to
promote innovations and help rural farmers to adopt new technologies and practice
climate-smart agriculture. We also promote new forms of partnerships and new ways of
doing things.
Let me give another example. We have recently signed two new projects with the
government – FIRST and VIIP. The FIRST project provides support to the improvement
of the policy framework to promote science, and technology and innovation. The project
helps strengthen institutions like MoST (Ministry of Science and Technology), VAST
(Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology), and NAFOSTED (National Foundation
for Science and Technology Development). In addition, the project provides support to
reform the government’s research institutions and link them with universities and
businesses. At the same time, the project provides support to enterprise-level innovations
through matching grants for new product development and product commercialization.
The VIIP helps to commercialize ideas and initiatives that can support the poorest segment
of Vietnam’s society. In that sense, it promotes inclusive development. These are specific
examples of areas in which we have been providing support to promote science,
technology and innovation in Vietnam.
Overall, we have a fairly big program in Vietnam and continuously look for new ways of
doing things. For instance, in the transport and energy sectors we are promoting new ideas
for the development of renewable energy. In summary, our program has a strong focus on
promoting science, technology and innovation.
10:41 Comment From Tran Van Vu
@Do Tuan Anh: Mr Tuan Anh, would you please give me your email or mobile number.
I’d like to contact you directly. My email is tranvu@alotin.com . Thank you!
Thursday May 22, 2014
Do Tuan Anh:
Yes, of course, my email is ceo@appota.com
10:43 Comment From Hoang Huong
Ms Victoria Kwakwa, will you share with us some experience from other countries that
have succeeded in promoting scientific and technological innovation. What can Vietnam
learn from those countries?
Thursday May 22, 2014
Victoria Kwakwa:
The World Bank has worked in a number of countries and has successfully promoted
science, technology and innovation. We have a detailed study on these initiatives, and the
full report is available at the World Bank’s Open Knowledge Repository, just search for
“science, technology and innovations” projects. Now I like to share with you one concrete
example of what we did in Turkey. The World Bank’s support has bene instrumental in
bringing about major changes to the innovation eco-system in Turkey. A large part of our
support was to reform government’s research institutions, making them more marketoriented. Through reform, these institutions have become able to increase their share of
income from research orders from 10% to 70%. They have become institutions that truly
operate under market principles and can meet the demand of the private sector. The result
is a huge saving of the government budget. On the one hand the government doesn’t need
to bear the whole burden of operating costs of these institutions, and on the other hand
their work is more related to the needs of industries. Thanks to improved research quality,
these Government research institutions gained more opportunities to do more work with
the EU. Starting with just a few clients, they have been able to increase the number of
international clients to 600! Wow! ...
Victoria Kwakwa:
This is also what we hope to achieve in Vietnam. The FIRST and VIIP projects aim to help
Government research institutions to totally reform and become independent from the
government or only depend on the government to a minimum degree. The idea here is that
they would become self-fianced by meeting the demand of the market, of industries and
other players , and eventually become part of the ASEAN and EU research network. Then,
more customers will come to them. Government research institutions must ensure value for
money. With our support; we really want to see the transformation of Government
research institutions in Vietnam. That’s one example. You can go to our website and find
more details about the cases of success that we have had. What I like to emphasize here is
that this is not the World Bank’s success, but a success of our partner countries and their
research institutions…
Victoria Kwakwa:
We have seen that it is extremely important to have the right environment, relevant
policies as well as strong commitments of government research institutions. We also see
that with only a small amount of financing, a lot can be achieved. A bit of it can help us go
a long way.
10:48 Comment From Tran Van Vu
@Do Tuan Anh: Yes, thank you. I hope to receive further advices from you.
Thursday May 22, 2014
10:51 Bobby Liu:
Thank you all for your interesting questions. See you.
Thursday May 22, 2014
10:51 Do Tuan Anh:
Thank you all for your interesting questions today. I hope to see you in other interesting
discussions.
Thursday May 22, 2014
10:59 Tran Van Thang:
Thank you all for participating in today’s discussion. I hope that the answers have
addressed your questions to some extent.
Thursday May 22, 2014
11:01 Comment From Nguyen Duc Chinh
Thank you.
Thursday May 22, 2014
11:08 Victoria Kwakwa:
Thank you for your attention. See you at the next live chat with the World Bank.
Thursday May 22, 2014
11:08 Huong Vu:
Thank you for your participation in this lively discussion. We have received many more
questions and comments from participants. However, due to the limited time, we cannot
respond to all of them. Hope to catch up with you in the next discussions!
Thursday May 22, 2014