The information was shared by Dr. Jenny Elmaco, Coordinator of Horizon Europe in the ASEAN region (Euraxess Asean) at the Forum "Digital transformation and green transformation for sustainable development" within the framework of the Techconnect and Innovation Vietnam 2023 event, on the morning of September 30.

Ms. Elmaco said that Euraxess Asean is one of the businesses present in Vietnam to support researchers. In the event of cooperation and connection between Europe and Vietnam, Europe promised to provide funds for scientists to study and then return to their home countries to contribute.

One suggestion she gives to scientists looking for information is to access the Horizon Europe database. The European Commission's programme for innovation researchers focuses on climate change, the Sustainable Development Goals, supporting innovation policy, and tackling global challenges, promoting technological excellence. "This is an opportunity to learn, connect and share information to help young researchers and businesses join the scientific community," she said.

One of the pillars of the programme is scientific excellence, which aims to strengthen and expand pioneering research and education institutions. It brings together the best research councils, renowned scientists, and many large enterprises. Scientists can come from many sectors, not only medicine but also creative industries, culture, electronics, bioeconomy, agriculture and the environment.

The unit has a budget of up to 53.5 billion euros, allocated to each field, ready to provide open opportunities for scientists. One point to note is that individuals need to conduct research with a supporting partner in Europe, and the research must also be carried out in European member states.

For example, the Marie Curie Action Fund has the main function of training skills and developing careers. Here, scientists do not matter if they are 25 or 60 years old, not limited to a few research fields, they are evaluated based on the time spent on research work. Currently, Vietnam has about 15-18 projects participating in this fund.

Individuals who are enrolled in a doctoral program can seek out a counterpart program to study in Europe. After 8 years of doctoral study, they can continue with the community outreach program. In case the European partner is willing to sponsor, scientists can conduct their own research and bring their families to Europe, with subsidies for accompanying families. The program also has post-doctoral scholarships, which are unilateral actions to apply for scholarships. In addition, businesses can also send employees to Europe to study and train, then return to Vietnam to contribute.

Or the ERC research fund that supports leading researchers also has an open funding mechanism for Vietnamese researchers to go to Europe. "Researchers can receive up to 2.5 million euros for researchers, the first criterion for selection is still truly excellent research," she said, suggesting that it is possible to apply for support from many different funds in the program at the same time.

Dr. Jenny Elmac said that Horizon Europ has an open mechanism for Vietnam, if any agency or organization is interested, they can visit the organization's website to see the content. In addition, to participate, organizations in Vietnam need to find partners in the EU, then combine and submit proposals to the fund.

She said that the website of the international cooperation program also has success stories and received funds. In fact, many organizations that have registered are often interested in registering again, so organizations and businesses can refer to it to find partners and cooperate with them to submit proposals. Vietnamese scientists can also contact research organizations and universities to build proposals together on the pillars of the program. "This is the starting point for us to cooperate with each other. This program is expected to expand further in the future," Dr. Jenny Elmac added.

From a financial perspective, Ms. Do Thi Ngoc Diep, International Finance Corporation (IFC) informed that IFC has supported many projects, including lending 76 billion USD for green buildings. In Vietnam, last year IFC lent 300 million USD, contributing to helping Vietnam expand the diverse green building market from warehouses, factories, schools, hospitals or commercial buildings, even housing for low-income people can be assessed as green and receive preferential loans.

Regarding opportunities for green technology startups, Ms. Diep said that the organization has many financial packages for startups. IFC has a direct investment package, but she said that most startups find it difficult to meet this investment requirement. Therefore, IFC has many other investment packages through commercial banks that are more suitable for startups. For example, the green finance investment package through VPBank, IFC invests in this bank and the bank will disburse to startups; or businesses with female owners can choose an investment package through SeAbank.

Ms. Diep mentioned the technology focus with the trend of new material technology and green energy demonstrated at the event. According to her, the solutions have an impact in each field, such as RARE paint, thermal coating or waste conversion technology, green steel, green cement, Rang Dong lighting... help units access green technology, creating the ability to connect and support a large network of green buildings.

The event Techconnect & Innovation Vietnam 2023 has the theme "Innovation - Sustainable Development". This year's event is directed by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Quang Ninh People's Committee, and organized by the Department of Technology Application and Development, and the Department of Science and Technology of Quang Ninh province.

The program takes place over 2 days, September 29 and 30, and is designed with activities including forums and conferences to exchange information on the topic of connecting technology and innovation, showcasing products and technology highlights, and connecting to promote investment and research cooperation.

Nhu Quynh