In the context of the country entering a new stage of development, science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation have been identified as key strategic breakthroughs, serving as crucial driving forces for socio-economic development, the construction of a modern production system, advanced national governance, and the creation of transformative momentum to prevent the risk of falling behind. In response to these requirements, the development strategies of higher education institutions—particularly regional universities—have been adjusted toward modernization, international integration, and close alignment with the country’s socio-economic development realities.
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Photo: The establishment of the Institute for Excellence in Training and Research under Thai Nguyen University
represents a strategic step and a breakthrough organizational model.
Establishment of the Institute for Excellence in Education and Research: A Strategic and Breakthrough Initiative
Thai Nguyen University (TNU) is a multidisciplinary university and a major center for education and scientific research in Viet Nam, entrusted with the mission of training and developing human resources in science and technology at undergraduate and postgraduate levels; conducting scientific and technological research closely linked with teaching, training, scientific information, and the application and transfer of research outcomes into production and daily life; as well as building, consulting on, and proposing socio-economic development policies for local authorities, organizations, and enterprises in the Northern Midlands and Mountainous Region. Over more than 30 years of establishment and development, TNU has affirmed its role and position as a regional university fulfilling national strategic and regional development missions.
Resolution No. 11-NQ/TW of the Politburo on “Directions for Socio-Economic Development and Ensuring National Defense and Security in the Northern Midlands and Mountainous Region to 2030, with a Vision to 2045,” Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, together with Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in education and training, have set forth the requirement to establish centers of excellence in education and research, foster elite human resources, master advanced technologies, and lead innovation ecosystems.
Notably, Decision No. 374/QĐ-TTg dated February 19, 2025, issued by the Prime Minister approving the Scheme on the Development of a System of Centers of Excellence and Talent in Industry 4.0 Technologies by 2030, has provided an important legal framework for the formation of new training and research organizational models. Accordingly, Thai Nguyen University was selected by the Ministry of Education and Training as the leading institution of the Northern network in the field of applied biotechnology for agriculture, becoming a key regional center for training, research, and technology transfer, and making significant contributions to the sustainable development goals of high-tech agriculture.
Based on the major guidelines, resolutions, and orientations of the Party, the Government, and the Ministry of Education and Training on the development of science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and particularly the goal of establishing centers of excellence in the Industry 4.0 era, the establishment of the Institute for Excellence in Training and Research under Thai Nguyen University holds special significance. It is regarded as a strategic step and a breakthrough organizational model, not only concretizing important central resolutions and decisions but also laying the foundation for TNU to become a core hub connecting the “Triple Helix” cooperation network (government–universities–enterprises). The Institute will play a central role in training high-quality human resources, developing applied research, and transferring technologies. It is envisioned as a pioneering unit in Industry 4.0 technologies, particularly in key fields such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors, contributing to positioning Thai Nguyen University as a national and regional center for training and research.
Creating Fundamental Improvements in the Quality of Training and Scientific Research in Industry 4.0 Fields
At the same time, the establishment of the Institute for Excellence in Training and Research aims to build a key training and scientific research unit of the University, creating fundamental transformations in the quality of training and research in Industry 4.0 fields; leveraging the strengths of a multidisciplinary regional university in association with advanced university governance models; and contributing to the realization of the vision that by 2030, Thai Nguyen University will be ranked among the top 500 universities in Asia.
Specifically, the Institute will serve as the nucleus of Thai Nguyen University in education, research, and technology transfer in Industry 4.0 fields, with a focus on international standards. It will effectively implement Decision No. 374/QĐ-TTg and establish cooperation networks with at least 30 universities, research institutes, enterprises, and international organizations to enhance the quality of education, research, innovation, and commercialization of science and technology products. The Institute will develop three to five internationally accredited training programs in applied biotechnology for agriculture, while simultaneously implementing excellence training programs in other Industry 4.0 fields based on TNU’s strengths. It will invest in the development of two key laboratories and establish two to three strong research groups in agricultural biotechnology and related fields, generating at least three to five commercially viable biotechnology products annually.
In addition, the Institute will invite scientists and experts from both domestic and international institutions, including overseas Vietnamese, to participate in teaching, research, and consultancy activities, while fostering a professional, creative, and interdisciplinary academic environment. It will promote Thai Nguyen University’s leading role in developing the innovation ecosystem in the northern region; enhance academic branding; increase international publications; and play an important role in advancing the Thai Nguyen University Journal of Science and Technology toward inclusion in Scopus or Web of Science (WoS) databases, thereby contributing to the goal of placing Thai Nguyen University among the top 500 universities in Asia during the 2025–2030 period.
The Institute for Excellence in Training and Research will play a central role in implementing the tasks of the Northern Center of Excellence in Agricultural Biotechnology Training, as well as other excellence training and research fields. It will focus on training high-quality human resources and conducting research and technology transfer in close collaboration with enterprises in agricultural biotechnology and related Industry 4.0 technologies. Oriented toward regional and international standards, the Institute will contribute to enhancing TNU’s internationalization indicators and promoting socio-economic development in the northern region and across the country. With a vision toward 2045, the Institute for Excellence in Training and Research aims to become a prestigious and high-quality training institution in Industry 4.0 science and technology fields, contributing to elevating Thai Nguyen University’s ranking within national and international higher education systems.
It can be affirmed that the establishment of the Institute for Excellence in Education and Research reflects the strategic vision of Thai Nguyen University in the new development phase; it not only realizes major resolutions and decisions of the Party and the Government but also makes an important contribution to the national cause of developing science, technology, innovation, and high-quality human resources.
