Vietnam’s higher education sector must adapt to the changing requirements stemming from globalization and digital transformation.

In this era of globalization
and rapid digital transformation, higher education faces an urgent need for continuous
innovation in order to adapt to rapidly-changing social conditions and the knowledge-based
economy. Industry 4.0, marked by the explosive development of AI, big data, the
Internet of Things (IoT), and digital technology, has profoundly transformed how
people learn, work, and interact. Against this backdrop, higher education not only
plays a role in training human resources but has also become a critical component
of the national innovation ecosystem.

The State and society
are paying increasing attention to training quality as well as the innovation capacity
of higher education institutions. This is reflected in policies promoting university
autonomy, encouraging research, knowledge transfer, and cooperation between universities,
businesses, the government, and the community.

At the same time,
the shift from a “traditional education” model – focused primarily on theoretical
knowledge – to a model of “liberal and innovative education,” which emphasizes critical
thinking, problem solving, interdisciplinary skills, and adaptability, is reshaping
teaching and learning at universities. In response to these new demands, higher
education institutions are compelled to become centers fostering innovation, nurturing
the entrepreneurial spirit, developing creative ideas, connecting research with
practice, and making practical contributions to the country’s sustainable development.

According to the
Vietnam Education e-magazine, the country currently has 244 higher education institutions,
including 172 public institutions (26 of which are under local authorities) and
67 non-public institutions (five with foreign investment). In addition, there are
20 teacher training colleges (three under the Ministry of Education and Training
and 17 under local authorities).

Key innovation trends

Comprehensive digital transformation in management and teaching

This is an inexorable
trend in higher education aimed at improving training quality and management efficiency.
Universities have adopted learning management systems (LMS), enterprise resource
planning (ERP) software, and online platforms to support teaching, assessment, and
university governance. Blended learning models, massive open online courses (MOOCs),
and virtual classrooms have been widely implemented, enabling students to learn
more flexibly and proactively. AI is being integrated to personalize learning content,
while big data supports analysis of learner behavior and improvements in curricula.

Internationalization of education and interdisciplinary cooperation

Internationalization
has become a core strategy for many universities to enhance training quality and
global competitiveness. Institutions are actively establishing partnerships with
international universities, research institutes, and businesses through joint training
programs, collaborative research, and technology transfer.

Many universities
have introduced dual-degree programs, expanded international student and faculty
exchanges, and increased the number of specialized courses taught in English. At
the same time, interdisciplinary collaboration is growing rapidly, with the integration
of technology, social sciences, business, and environmental studies into teaching
and research.

Vietnam National
University, Hanoi (VNU Hanoi) is among the pioneering institutions in restructuring
curricula and training organization to adapt to international integration. It focuses
on developing students’ technological competencies and shortening training duration.
The university aims to expand enrolments in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics) and engineering-technology fields to 65 per cent within the next
three years, from nearly 50 per cent at present.

In its digital transformation
strategy, VNU Hanoi places strong emphasis on the application of digital technologies
and AI, implementing blended learning models and integrating AI into teaching, assessment,
and personalized learning pathways. In particular, AI supports the maximization
of potential among talented students and encourages early participation in scientific
research.

Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation among students

Fostering entrepreneurship
and innovation has become a key focus in the development strategies of many universities.
Institutions have established innovation centers, co-working spaces, and startup
incubators to support students in forming and developing business ideas. Numerous
startup competitions, hackathons, bootcamps, and mentoring programs are organized
regularly, creating experiential and practical environments for students.

Liberal education and comprehensive capacity development

Rather than focusing
on one-way knowledge transmission, current curricula emphasize the development of
core competencies such as critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, and teamwork.
Universities are also integrating content on personal character, professional ethics,
and social responsibility into coursework, with the aim of cultivating global citizenship
and a sense of community service among students.

Innovating curricula and teaching methods toward sustainability

In the global context
of sustainable development, many universities have proactively reformed curricula
and teaching methods to meet modern societal demands. A notable trend is the integration
of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into teaching content, helping students
understand their role in addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges.
Traditional teaching methods are gradually being replaced by project-based learning,
experiential learning, and problem-based learning.

These approaches
help students develop critical thinking, teamwork, and the ability to solve complex
real-world problems. In particular, strengthening connections with businesses through
internships, site visits, and industry lecturers is being intensified, narrowing
the gap between theory and practice and enhancing graduates’ adaptability in an
ever-changing work environment.

Addressing challenges

Despite innovation
being an inexorable trend in higher education, implementation still faces many challenges.

The first challenge
is limited financial and human resources, which pose significant barriers for many
institutions, especially local or non-public universities. Investment in technological
infrastructure, curriculum upgrades, and attracting high-quality human resources
requires substantial funding, while State budgets and financial autonomy remain
limited.

The second is the
uneven level of readiness for innovation across institutions. Some major centrally-managed
universities can quickly access new technologies, while many others continue to
struggle with traditional training models and lack adequate facilities or capable
staff to implement modern programs.

The third challenge
lies in traditional, administratively-oriented management mindsets, which remain
prevalent, and slow institutional adaptation to innovation demands.

And the fourth is
the lack of breakthrough support policies from the State, particularly mechanisms
that encourage autonomy and innovation. This has reduced reform incentives at some
institutions.

Future outlook

To promote effective
and sustainable innovation in higher education, coordinated solutions are needed
across institutions, resources, and interdisciplinary cooperation.

Strengthening investment
in technological infrastructure and faculty development is a prerequisite. Universities
need budgetary support or financial mobilization mechanisms to upgrade information
technology (IT) systems, digital learning platforms, and modern teaching tools.
At the same time, enhancing faculty capacity – in digital skills, new pedagogical
methods, and digital learning design – is essential for substantive digital transformation
and improved training quality.

Enhancing links
between businesses, research institutes, and local authorities is key to improving
the practical relevance of training, aligning graduate outcomes with labor market
needs and supporting the commercialization of university research results. Establishing
innovation centers based on the “triple helix” model (University – Business – State)
will help promote an open academic-technology ecosystem.

Developing a comprehensive
innovation ecosystem inside and outside of universities is crucial, including creative
spaces, startup incubators, policies supporting student research and entrepreneurship,
as is fostering a culture of innovation within the academic community. This ecosystem
not only nurtures creative ideas but also lays the foundation for a generation of
students with open mindsets – willing to think, act, and embrace change.

(*)Dr. Bui Thi Quyen and Dr. Dao Thi Ha Anh are Lecturers at the University of Economics and Business, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

VET- Dr. Bui Thi Quyen Dr. Dao Thi Ha Anh (*)