On December 3, 2024, DTU, in collaboration with Vietnam Network of Higher Education Innovation Entrepreneurship Center (VNEI) and the Swiss Entrepreneurship Program (SwissEP), held a sharing session entitled "10 Bridges for Universities (VNEI Innovation Model)". The event was attended by Dr. Kevin Murphy Xavier, President & CEO of JE. Austin Associates; Dr. Nguyen Trung Dung, Director of BK-Holdings at Hanoi University of Science and Technology and President of the VNEI; representatives from universities and colleges in the VNEI in Da Nang; representatives from agencies and businesses related to Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Da Nang; leaders from the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Business Cooperation & Entrepreneurship, along with many DTU faculty members and students.
Dr. Kevin Murphy Xavier talks about the “10 Bridges for Universities” Model
As the keynote speaker, Dr. Kevin Murphy Xavier emphasized the opportunities and challenges for universities in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. Accordingly, the “10 Bridges” that universities and colleges can apply to build and foster innovation in education and entrepreneurship include:
- Student Job Placement & Career Support
- Alumni Programs
- Executive Education & Lifelong Learning
- Commercialization of Research
- Industry Consulting
- Definition and Measurement of Skills Standards
- On-Site Training, Internships, & Apprenticeships
- Industry Responsive Curriculum & Training
- Regular Demand-Side Assessments & “Gap Analysis” Surveys
- Entrepreneurship Centers/Science Parks
The event attracts a large number of representatives from universities, agencies, and businesses in Da Nang
Dr. Kevin Murphy Xavier also shared the operational framework of the model through four main stages: Diagnostic Tools, Strategic Framework, Practical Initiatives, and Continuous Interaction. He posed several open-ended questions for universities to reflect on, such as the current level of connection between industries and universities, and potential strategies to enhance collaboration. He recommended that universities organize regular meetings between business leaders and school administrators to build trust and foster cooperation. These specific initiatives would help transform ideas into tangible actions.
Dr. Nguyen Trung Dung presented on the Innovation Ecosystem in Higher Education. Dr. Trung Dung focused on the role of ecosystems in enhancing education quality and contributing to social development. He emphasized the importance of innovation in:
- Increasing the prestige and social impacts
- Contributing to improved ranking on the International University Rankings
- Attracting funding sources (especially the private sector)
- Making industry linkages effective
- Taking the lead in major national and international innovation projects
Also, Dr. Trung Dung suggested methods for building an innovation ecosystem, such as developing a technology transfer environment, attracting talent, and reinvesting in research and training.
The sharing session on "10 Bridges for Universities (VNEI Innovation Model)" at DTU provided valuable knowledge while laying a solid foundation for universities in the VNEI and partners in Da Nang to strengthen connections and develop sustainably. This event also served as an opportunity for universities and businesses to share experiences and discuss strategies to promote sustainable innovation. As the organizer, DTZU continues to assert its pioneering role in promoting innovation and building an Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Central Vietnam.
(Media Center)