Mekong Institute (MI) rolled out its national e-training program on “Capacity Building on National Innovation Policies Development” to help academic and private sector representatives contribute to the formulation of a national innovation policy in Vietnam.

“By exchanging various expertise, experiences, and perspectives, you can collectively support the realization of a strong national innovation policy plan that will spur economic growth and create more employment,” Mr. Sudam Pawar, MI Director of Innovation Technology and Connectivity, said.

The e-training also includes sessions that will deepen understanding of policies made by the Vietnamese government in relation to research and development (R&D). The exposure is meant to foster broader collaboration of the academic and private sector in developing and implementing innovation strategies that will respond to the needs of the people, particularly in delivering more efficient systems and services.

Supported by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, 11 Vietnamese participants will be introduced to basic concepts of innovation and major components of innovation policy from November 23 to 27, 2020. Specifically, they will be exposed to approaches that will strengthen R&D, smoothen coordination and linkages among stakeholders, and advance practical policies for the development of a strategic roadmap and master plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation.

The e-training is part of the “Capacity Building on Technology and Innovation Policy Development in the Lancang-Mekong Region” project. Following the completion of the online training course, participants will implement their action plans in Vietnam before reconvening in April 2021 at MI’s Synthesis and Evaluation workshop to assess the progress of their respective action plan implementation, as well as to share good practices and lessons learned.