Lam Dong Province Pursues Green, Sustainable Economy Through Science and Technology

Lam Dong Province in Vietnam's Central Highlands is accelerating its efforts towards sustainable development, positioning science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key drivers of economic growth. The province is strengthening its 'state-school-enterprise' linkage, establishing a comprehensive ecosystem where enterprises present R&D needs, scientists find solutions, and the state provides mechanisms and funding. Under this framework, the 'Dalat Herbal Egg' project has yielded a unique product catering to health-conscious consumers. This initiative, after winning first prize at the Lam Dong Provincial Innovation and Startup Competition in 2025, has been transferred to Nang Thien Duc Phat Energy Co., Ltd. for commercialization, focusing on circular economy principles. Vien Son Joint Stock Company, operating in agricultural product manufacturing, processing, and export, continuously applies science, technology, and innovation across its value chain to meet market demands. The company's director emphasized that in addition to corporate efforts, the support of state management agencies, universities, and research institutes is crucial for technology transfer and policy implementation. Vietponics Cooperative is also pursuing technological self-sufficiency, including IoT control, traceability, and e-commerce, but seeks closer ties among the 'three parties' to enhance production capacity and added value. Professor, Dr. Duong Tan Nhu Tuan, Deputy Director of the Institute of Life Sciences under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, pledged commitment to the state and enterprises, highlighting the need to focus on the practical application and commercialization of research outcomes. Lam Dong Province is collaborating with Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) on pilot implementations of ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) and smart traffic control systems to alleviate traffic congestion. Additionally, the Vietnamese-German University is partnering with the province on projects aimed at reducing traffic jams in Da Lat city. To materialize the 'three-party' cooperation, the state must create favorable mechanisms, educational institutions and researchers must focus on research, and enterprises must play the role of key investors. Dr. Ha Thuc Vien, Vice Rector of the Vietnamese-German University, pointed out the importance of each entity clarifying its role. Currently, the application of science and technology in Lam Dong Province is fragmented, with gaps existing between policies and practical needs, research outcomes and transfer capabilities, and enterprises and experts/scientists. Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Nguyen Ngoc Phuc, stated that establishing a close coordination mechanism among the 'three parties' is an urgent requirement. The province plans to prioritize development in areas such as smart agriculture, post-harvest processing, deep processing, green economy, circular economy, renewable energy, AI, big data, GIS, digital transformation, and digital management of cultural resources and smart tourism by 2030. From 2026 to 2027, it aims to support the signing of at least 20 R&D, technology transfer, and commercialization contracts and form at least three 'three-party' cooperation models in priority fields.