On April 21, 2025, Vietnam celebrated World Innovation and Creativity Day with a significant ceremony led by Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung at the Post and Telecommunications Technology Institute in Hanoi. This event not only highlighted the importance of innovation and creativity but also aimed to foster a culture that encourages exploration and tolerates failure.
Minister Hung emphasized that this day is not just for scientists or technology businesses but is a celebration of the creative thinking of individuals across all sectors. "Building a culture of innovation, encouraging exploration, and tolerating failure" is crucial for the entire society, he stated. The spirit of "daring to think, daring to do, daring to innovate" was a central theme of the event, connecting creativity and innovation with sustainable development.
The themes for the 2025 celebration included: "Creative innovation - Think differently, do differently to be better"; "Creative innovation - Pioneering enterprises - Prosperous nation"; and "National creative innovation - Comprehensive digital transformation - For a better life". These themes reflect the government's commitment to integrating innovation into various aspects of national development.
April 21 was chosen for this celebration as it coincides with the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci, a symbol of creativity in multiple fields, and is the day before Earth Day, reinforcing the message of sustainable development through innovation.
Minister Hung explained the distinction between creativity and innovation, noting that creativity involves generating new, unique ideas across all fields, while innovation is the practical application of these ideas into products and solutions. He remarked, "Highlighting both creativity and innovation honors both the person who comes up with the idea and the person who turns it into real changes." This perspective aims to broaden the understanding of innovation beyond the scientific community to include everyone.
In his address, Minister Hung pointed out that developing countries, including Vietnam, must "leapfrog technology" by absorbing existing technologies and creatively applying them to local contexts. He argued that with low investment in science and technology in developing nations, leveraging creative innovation is essential for keeping pace with developed countries. "If we only rely on academic science and technology, we will not keep up with developed nations," he warned.
Creative innovation is described as more encompassing than just science and technology; it includes societal and institutional changes. Minister Hung outlined that national creative innovation involves technological advancements, business model innovations, governance improvements, social policy reforms, and enhancements in education, healthcare, transportation, and the environment.
He emphasized the need for a supportive ecosystem that allows businesses to adapt their products to domestic markets, while also enabling individuals to innovate based on their circumstances. The government's role is to provide an environment that nurtures and allows creative innovation to flourish.
Minister Hung cited Finland as an example of a quiet innovation powerhouse, where continuous learning and micro-level improvements are valued more than grand inventions. He noted that small improvements from millions of people can have a greater impact than significant breakthroughs from a handful of scientists. "Small improvements from 100 million Vietnamese can be as valuable as those from 10,000 scientists," he stated.
As part of the ongoing efforts to promote innovation, the Ministry of Science and Technology is working on a national startup project aimed at instilling a spirit of innovation among all citizens, making it a lifestyle and a hallmark of every organization. This initiative aligns with the Politburo's emphasis on fostering a culture of innovation across the nation.
Pauline Tamesis, the UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, also attended the event, expressing support for Vietnam's commitment to innovation and digital transformation as strategic priorities for achieving high-income status by 2045. She highlighted that innovation should be inclusive, benefiting everyone without discrimination.
During her speech, Tamesis noted that while 54% of administrative agencies in Vietnam are using AI, only 20% have ethical guidelines for its use. This raises critical questions about protecting rights and preventing technology from exacerbating inequalities. The UN is committed to helping Vietnam navigate these challenges by providing specialized analysis and advice on AI ethics.
In the context of this celebration, various stories of innovation from businesses were shared, showcasing the practical applications of creative ideas in different sectors. For instance, Nguyen Trung Kien, CEO of a tech group, discussed six key innovation activities focused on technology advancement, high-quality human resources, and sustainable development.
Vo Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director of the National Innovation Center, shared insights from World Bank, UN, and OECD data, indicating that innovation contributes significantly to economic competitiveness, green economy initiatives, and overall societal value. According to his data, innovation is set to transform communication, health quality, labor markets, and environmental quality in the coming decade.
Students from the Post and Telecommunications Technology Institute also participated in the ceremony, with student Mai Thi Phuong sharing her experiences with the vibrant culture of innovation at her school. She emphasized three core principles: innovation starts with a question, mistakes are opportunities to learn, and sharing ideas is the most sustainable form of creativity.
The ceremony on April 21, 2025, served as a powerful reminder of the collective effort needed to foster a culture of innovation in Vietnam. As the country pushes forward with its commitment to sustainable development and economic growth, the spirit of creativity and innovation will play a pivotal role in shaping its future.
