Technological innovation and digital transformation must be closely linked to sustainable development

On June 2nd, in Hanoi, the Center for Quality Certification and Business Development, under the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA), organized the Economic Development Forum with the theme "Technology Innovation, Digital Transformation, Resource and Environmental Protection" in 2023.

Launched in mid-February 2023, with the support of the VUSTA network in provinces, the Forum has spread widely and has attracted a large community of businesses in Vietnam.

Landscape of the Economic Development Forum with the theme "Technological Innovation, Digital Transformation, Resource Protection, and Environment" in 2023

In his opening speech at the forum, Phan Xuan Dung, Chairman of the VUSTA, stated: "Enterprises are the main contributors to the state budget, and the revenue from enterprises has been increasing rapidly in recent years, providing conditions for investing in infrastructure development and public social activities (healthcare, education, poverty reduction, etc.)."

During this period, complex fluctuations in the global political and economic landscape have significantly affected our country's economy as well as the production and business activities of enterprises. The Party and the State have proactively directed and issued numerous timely mechanisms and policies to maintain macroeconomic stability, control inflation according to set targets, and maintain a reasonable exchange rate and interest rate that are relatively stable compared to other large countries and the region facing various fluctuations. Significant reductions in input costs and fuel expenses have been implemented to alleviate difficulties in production and business.

Most recently, the Government issued Resolution No. 58/NQ-CP on April 21, 2023, regarding some focal policies and solutions to support enterprises in proactive adaptation, rapid recovery, and sustainable development until 2025.

The delegates attending the Economic Development Forum with the theme "Technological Innovation, Digital Transformation, Resource Protection, and Environment" in 2023

However, the production and business situation in the foreseeable future is expected to face many difficulties: the prolonged impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; abnormal climate change, droughts, and floods occurring; strategic competition among major powers; the potential prolongation of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict; inflation issues in many countries that may become chronic in the medium term; high oil prices, natural resources, and raw materials; slow and challenging recovery of major trading partners.

In addition, there is a shift in value chains, demands from partners, markets towards sustainable production and consumption, green economy, digital economy, and the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution. Vietnam's commitments when participating in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 26), carbon taxes, carbon verification tools applied in many countries worldwide, are all posing requirements for Vietnamese enterprises to innovate and keep up with new trends. Otherwise, they may lose competitiveness and miss out on opportunities to deeply integrate into the global value chain.

In this context, according to many economic experts, technological innovation and digital transformation are the "survival" factors for businesses. Technological innovation and digital transformation help enterprises maintain and enhance their competitive capacity. More importantly, technological innovation and digital transformation will also help protect natural resources and the environment, aiming for a crucial goal of sustainable development.

Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations – Mr. Phan Xuân Dũng delivered the opening speech at the Forum.

Through the forum, Mr. Phan Xuân Dũng called upon the community of businesses, scientists, and managers to share and discuss together in order to promote mechanisms and policies that encourage continued investment in technological innovation. He emphasized the importance of paying attention to and effectively implementing digital transformation within businesses. He also urged collective action to preserve nature, regulate climate, reduce pollution, and contribute to the sustainable development of the country.

The Forum on Economic Development with the theme "Technological Innovation, Digital Transformation - Resource and Environmental Protection" in 2023 witnessed the participation of various distinguished guests and experts.

Representatives of exemplary businesses received certificates from the organizers.

During the Forum, the organizers presented certificates and tokens to business entities that met the criteria in three categories: Top Innovative Enterprises in Technology - Resource and Environmental Protection, Top Environmentally Friendly Products, and Trusted Brands in International Economic Integration.

Representatives of exemplary businesses received tokens for their reputable brands from the organizers.

The Forum on Economic Development with the theme "Technological Innovation, Digital Transformation - Resource and Environmental Protection" in 2023 has played a significant role in disseminating policies and laws related to environmental resource protection in general, encouraging the application of scientific and technological advancements to improve techniques, conserve resources, and ensure a sustainable green environment for businesses in particular. Moreover, it has contributed to promoting the image of businesses and their product brands to reach a wider range of consumers nationwide.

Speakers at the Forum on Economic Development with the theme "Technological Innovation, Digital Transformation - Resource and Environmental Protection" shared experiences, exchanged knowledge, and fostered innovation among experts and business leaders. This provided opportunities for generating creative ideas, advancing production, enhancing productivity and quality, and jointly building a green living environment and a clean, safe, and sustainable market for the future.