Sustainable Development

Digital transformation (DX) is not merely a technological trend; it has become a key driver in enhancing national competitiveness. In Vietnam, where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for more than 90% of all businesses, an essential question arises: Who will support SMEs on their digitalization journey?
The answer lies in universities – institutions that both educate human resources and possess strong capacities for research and innovation.

However, in practice, many universities in Vietnam remain “outside” the circle of collaboration with enterprises. This separation has led to a disconnect between training and reality, research that rarely reaches the market, and missed opportunities for innovation. This article analyzes the pivotal role of universities in the digital transformation ecosystem and introduces international cooperation models for reference.
1. Why university–enterprise collaboration is the backbone of the digital transformation ecosystem

If we imagine the DX ecosystem as a “machine,” enterprises are the “operating engine,” while universities act as the “intelligent control unit,” supplying knowledge and human capital. The absence of this connection makes the system operate inefficiently: enterprises lack skilled workers, while universities lack practical outputs.

• Digital workforce: Enterprises need employees equipped with digital skills such as data analytics, cybersecurity, and AI. Without practical-oriented curricula, graduates often lag behind market demands.
• Knowledge application: SMEs often cannot afford research and development, but by “borrowing” the research capacity of universities, they can access innovative solutions more quickly.
• Innovation ecosystem: Collaboration allows students, lecturers, and businesses to co-create, transforming universities into “innovation transfer hubs.”

Example: In the UK, Cardiff and Newcastle Universities collaborated with the Hartree Centre to establish SME Engagement Hubs, enabling small businesses to access AI and supercomputing technologies—resources they could not afford on their own.
2. Common forms of university–enterprise collaboration worldwide

University–enterprise partnerships can be categorized into several levels, extending far beyond traditional student internships to encompass comprehensive collaboration—from research to commercialization.

• Research & Development (R&D) collaboration: Universities and companies jointly conduct projects on AI, Big Data, and IoT. Example: The University of South Australia collaborates with STEM enterprises to develop digitalized industrial solutions.
• Co-designing curricula: Businesses participate in designing professional certificates and practical courses. Example: Coursera, originally from Stanford, has partnered with Google, IBM, and Meta to develop globally recognized professional certificates, reaching over 136 million learners.
• Shared facilities: Universities open laboratories, research centers, and computing systems for enterprise use—maximizing investment efficiency while offering students hands-on experience.
• Startups & digital incubators: Universities and enterprises jointly operate incubators and acceleration programs for startups. Example: Germany’s “Mittelstand 4.0” connects thousands of SMEs with startups to adopt modern working methods such as design thinking and agile.
• Technology transfer & commercialization: Academic research is transformed into real-world products. Example: Utrecht University (Netherlands) collaborates with consulting firms to implement digital governance strategies and improve student experience.

3. Lessons from SME digital support programs

In Vietnam, SMEs often struggle with digital transformation due to a lack of knowledge, talent, and funding. If universities view SMEs as strategic partners, they can become companions helping enterprises overcome these challenges.

International examples:

• IE University (Spain): In partnership with Banco Santander, the university trained 3,000 SMEs across 11 countries in digital skills such as data analytics, digital marketing, e-commerce, and cybersecurity. Upon completion, participants received official certification from the university.
• University of Vaasa (Finland): Implemented an “ecosystem-based digitalization” model, offering consulting, training, internships, and local digital resource connections for SMEs.
• Berlin Center HIIG (Germany): Through the “Mittelstand 4.0” initiative, provided workshops, video tutorials, and practical events for thousands of SMEs, emphasizing collaboration between startups and SMEs and training in agile and design thinking.
• These models demonstrate that universities are not only educators but also direct digital transformation partners for enterprises.University of Vaasa (Finland): Implemented an “ecosystem-based digitalization” model, offering consulting, training, internships, and local digital resource connections for SMEs.
• Berlin Center HIIG (Germany): Through the “Mittelstand 4.0” initiative, provided workshops, video tutorials, and practical events for thousands of SMEs, emphasizing collaboration between startups and SMEs and training in agile and design thinking.

These models demonstrate that universities are not only educators but also direct digital transformation partners for enterprises. The way forward for Vietnamese universities

To avoid being left behind in the digital era, Vietnamese universities must shift their mindset—from merely “training human resources for society” to “partnering with enterprises for sustainable development.”

Recommendations:

• Place SMEs at the center of collaboration: Support not only large corporations but also small and medium enterprises that most need assistance.
• Co-design programs with enterprises: Ensure graduates are job-ready without additional retraining.
• Establish applied research and digital consulting centers: Offer digital transformation services for local businesses, generating new revenue for universities.
• Develop shared incubators and innovation hubs: Encourage collaboration among students, faculty, and enterprises to create solutions and products.

If implemented effectively, Vietnamese universities can not only provide skilled human resources but also become key enablers of sustainable digital transformation—a role already proven successful by many global universities.

© Copyright by KisStartup. Content developed under the IDAP Project – Enhancing the Inclusive Digital Transformation Ecosystem. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, citation, or reuse must credit KisStartup/IDAP.

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On October 11, 2025, the event “Introducing the Inclusive Digital Transformation Model – Developing the Digital Ecosystem for Enterprises & Launching EduDX Connect”, organized by KisStartup JSC, took place successfully. The event marked a major milestone — one year of implementing the IDAP - Inclusive Digital Acceleration Program, funded by the Australian Government through the GREAT Project, to strengthen inclusive digital ecosystems for MSMEs in Lao Cai and Son La.

Looking Back on a Year When Digital Transformation Became Tangible

In her opening remarks, Ms. Nguyen Dang Tuan Minh – CEO of KisStartup, reflected on more than a year of developing and refining the Inclusive Digital Transformation Model, based on the approach:

“Enterprise-centered – Market-driven – Co-development among stakeholders.”

The model has helped over 200 local enterprises and organizations enhance their digital capabilities, while connecting universities, technical and human resource service providers, and support organizations to form a sustainable digital transformation ecosystem.

From pilot activities in Lao Cai and Son La, the project has achieved notable results:

• Thai Nguyen University – Lao Cai Campus became the first university in Northern Vietnam to launch a Bachelor’s Program in Digital Economics, marking an important step in developing high-quality digital human resources in mountainous areas.

• Tay Bac University actively collaborated with KisStartup to integrate training, coaching, and enterprise engagement into its programs in Son La, turning digital transformation into a key component of education, research, and community service.

• Local technical and human resource service providers were established for the first time, reducing reliance on external experts.

• Hundreds of SMEs, cooperatives, ethnic minority women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) stepped out of their comfort zones, adopting digital tools, building online businesses, and confidently connecting with domestic and international markets.

Real Stories – Real People – Real Results

The ceremony also honored 12 “Digital Transformation Stars”, representing hundreds of enterprises that have made remarkable progress throughout the year.

Among them, Mr. Nguyen Huu Hau, owner of Phuc Hau Woodcraft (Son La), a person with severe disability, has refused to let his condition define his limits. Through IDAP’s coaching sessions, he learned to use social media, create photos and videos, and build an online brand. Once a craftsman working quietly behind the scenes, he now runs his own fanpage, shares his production process, and tells his story through authentic visual content. His products have reached customers across Vietnam, and more importantly, he has become a source of inspiration for the disability community, training others to use smartphones and digital tools for online business and independent living.

Meanwhile, Ms. Ma Thi Luyen, founder of Luyen Tho Meat Processing (Lao Cai), exemplifies the power of persistence and learning. Once unfamiliar with computers and digital tools, she learned content planning, photography, design, and online sales management through the project. Despite a slow start, she consistently practiced and even hired local service providers to strengthen her digital presence. Today, her business operates effectively online, and she has become a community leader inspiring other ethnic minority women to embrace digital transformation.

EduDX Connect – Bridging Knowledge and Business

Within the same event, EduDX Connect was officially launched — an initiative by KisStartup to connect universities, enterprises, professional organizations, and technology providers for promoting innovation, digital transformation, and commercialization of research outcomes.

Built on the foundation of the IDAP Project, EduDX Connect inherits the proven “Triple Helix” collaboration model piloted in Lao Cai and Son La, aiming to:

• Develop a qualified digital workforce,

• Share best practices, and

• Foster long-term partnerships among academia, industry, and support institutions.

The network was founded by 16 core members representing three key sectors:

• Higher education institutions, including universities and colleges from Hanoi, Hai Phong, Lao Cai, and other key northern regions;

• Professional organizations, including national entrepreneurship support centers and professional associations;

• Technology and digital training enterprises, spanning e-commerce platforms, software solution providers, and online education companies.

Together, they form a bridge between knowledge, technology, and the market, advancing an inclusive and innovative digital transformation ecosystem.

 

Spreading the Spirit of “More Inclusive – Better Connected – Strongly Disseminated”

Voices from the Ground

Ms. Vang Thi Moi, founder of Moi Design in Lao Cai, shared her journey “from hesitant to confident” through the program. She learned how to work with clients professionally and expanded her service toward inclusive design for persons with disabilities, contributing creative products for local businesses.
Ms. Nguyen Hong Giang, expert supporting PWD groups, shared her experience working with over 20 individuals in Lao Cai and Son La, helping them gain confidence and access economic opportunities through digital tools. She emphasized that empathy, patience, and trust are the keys to ensuring genuine inclusion in digital transformation.

Commitments for Future Action

• Thai Nguyen University – Lao Cai Campus reaffirmed its cooperation with KisStartup in five key areas: digitalizing enterprise processes, developing digital marketing, and maintaining the lecturer–student–enterprise collaboration model.

• Tay Bac University committed to integrating business-support activities into student training programs.

• Technology companies in the EduDX Connect network — such as UNICA, FINAN (Sobanhang), and Onelog — pledged long-term engagement, providing tools, internships, and opportunities for students to apply digital solutions in local contexts.

The event concluded with heartfelt gratitude to all partners who have accompanied the IDAP journey — from businesses, lecturers, and students to local organizations and donors.
The message echoed throughout the program:

“Digital transformation is not just about technology — it is about unlocking the potential of people and communities.”

From mountain villages and small cooperatives to universities and tech companies, everyone is working together to build an inclusive digital ecosystem — a place where everyone has the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow sustainably.

 

KisStartup drives Vietnamese climate action as Official Outreach Partner for LowCarbon.Earth

KisStartup is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with the LowCarbon.Earth Program, a leading accelerator for climate tech startups. Implemented by the Massive Earth Foundation in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), this program aims to drive sustainable development and address pressing challenges related to climate change and environmental pollution.

LowCarbon.Earth has established itself as a prominent player in the Asia-Pacific region, supporting over 100 startups, mobilizing more than $350 million in funding, and receiving over 2,500 applications from various countries. The program focuses on developing innovative solutions in the climate tech space, contributing to significant advancements in the fight against climate change and environmental protection.

Through its partnership with Massive Earth Foundation, KisStartup will act as the official outreach partner for the LowCarbon.Earth Program in Vietnam, supporting the promotion and recruitment of startups, particularly in the climate tech sector. Additionally, KisStartup will contribute to the selection and introduction of experts from its network to support the program, while also sharing insights into the Vietnamese market to facilitate effective entry for international startups. We are committed to driving registrations for the LowCarbon.Earth 2024 program through our extensive community and ecosystem in Vietnam.

This collaboration not only opens up new opportunities for Vietnamese startups but also contributes to building a sustainable startup ecosystem, playing a vital role in the battle against climate change and environmental pollution. KisStartup and the LowCarbon.Earth Program are committed to working together to create positive and long-lasting impacts on society and the environment.
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