Quang Tri drives innovation and startup initiatives in schools

Currently, innovation and startups are topics garnering considerable community attention. With their far-reaching impact, the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit has swiftly permeated educational institutions throughout the region. Deputy Director Nguyen Huu Huyen of the Quang Tri Department of Education and Training discussed this with the Quang Tri Newspaper.

Could you please explain the significance of innovation and entrepreneurship for the education sector in general, and specifically for educational institutions?

Education plays a crucial role in promoting innovative entrepreneurship by equipping society with the necessary mindset, skills, and practical research outcomes. In the context of industrialization and modernization today, enhancing entrepreneurial and innovative skills within educational institutions is imperative.

Recently, the government has issued several policies supporting entrepreneurial activities, especially in innovation and creativity.

This reflects the determination of the Party, State, and Government to create a favorable environment for startup enterprises to develop and expand internationally. On October 30, 2017, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 1665/QD-TTg approving the Project "Supporting Students and Students in Startup until 2025."The aim of the project is to foster entrepreneurial spirit among students during their academic years, creating a conducive environment to support them in developing and realizing entrepreneurial ideas and projects, thereby contributing to job creation for them after graduation.

This initiative aligns with the strategic policies of education development that meet the demands and trends of the era, aiming to make breakthroughs in training high-quality human resources for the future.

This policy reaffirms the Party’s viewpoint as stated in Resolution No. 29-NQ/TW dated November 4, 2013, by the Central Committee of the 11th Party Congress on "Fundamental and Comprehensive Innovation in Education and Training to Meet the Requirements of Industrialization, Modernization in the Context of Market Economy Orientation towards Socialism and International Integration."

In recent times, what efforts has the Quang Tri Education sector made to promote entrepreneurial and innovative activities?

To effectively implement entrepreneurial and innovative activities aligned with the educational sector’s political tasks, the Department of Education and Training in Quang Tri has directed educational institutions to thoroughly disseminate and implement government and Ministry of Education and Training guidelines on entrepreneurial and innovative initiatives to administrators, teachers, and students.

The Department has proactively advised the Provincial People’s Committee to issue plans for implementing the “Supporting Students and Students' Entrepreneurship Project until 2025” across the region.

Based on practical circumstances, the Department has issued directives to promote scientific research and entrepreneurial and innovative activities in diverse and rich forms, closely tied to the sector’s missions and specific units. The Department actively collaborates with relevant entities to organize and participate in national and provincial-level competitions.

Recently, there has been notable progress and widespread participation in scientific research and entrepreneurial and innovative activities among officials, teachers, and students throughout the educational sector in the province. Annually, nearly 950 scientific research topics and initiatives are acknowledged by scientific councils at various levels (sector, district, province). Many officials and teachers have published papers in domestic and international specialized journals.

The number of high-achieving scientific and technical products and teaching aids by teachers and students in national and international competitions has been steadily increasing. Several products have been successfully applied in teaching and management, contributing to enhancing the comprehensive quality of education in schools.

In recent academic years, the sector has successfully organized scientific and technical competitions as well as entrepreneurship competitions for high school students at the provincial level. On average, 90 projects participate in these competitions annually.

Projects that win top prizes are selected by the sector to participate in national and international competitions. Encouragingly, many projects have brought pride to the provincial education sector. During provincial-organized entrepreneurship and innovation competitions, the Department of Education and Training often participates with a significant number of entries, showcasing a diverse range of topics.

Many projects are highly praised for their fresh and innovative ideas, meticulously planned and well-organized research strategies, and thorough achievement of set objectives.

In addition to the achievements, what are the existing challenges and limitations of the entrepreneurial and innovative movement in the provincial education sector, in your opinion?

Facing reality, it can be affirmed that the entrepreneurial and innovative movement in Quang Tri’s education sector still faces certain challenges and limitations. Currently, the sector has not yet established a team to advise and support students in entrepreneurship at secondary educational institutions. Financial investment in scientific research and entrepreneurial innovation activities remains limited.

The physical infrastructure conditions in schools are also inadequate, lacking dedicated startup spaces for students. Moreover, the coordination between schools and businesses has not been fully synchronized and lacks depth, primarily focusing on inspirational activities. There are few creative startup incubation centers in the area aimed at enhancing students' awareness, knowledge, and entrepreneurial skills.

Based on this profound awareness, what steps will the provincial education sector take to promote entrepreneurial and innovative activities?

In the context of globalization and deep international integration, entrepreneurial and innovative activities hold immense significance and are crucially needed. To promote entrepreneurial innovation in the provincial education sector, in my opinion, we must first excel in communication efforts.

Additionally, a vital task is to focus on supporting entrepreneurship training. Educational institutions need to establish teams of advisors and support staff to assist students in starting ventures. Currently, entrepreneurship clubs have been established in many schools, and it’s essential to maintain and enhance the effectiveness of these models.

The provincial education sector should continue to direct units and schools to actively participate in competitions related to science, technology, entrepreneurial ideas, and innovative startups. They should also collaborate proactively with universities, colleges, and domestic experts to organize workshops and forums supporting students in entrepreneurial innovation.

Recognizing and rewarding individuals and teams who achieve high performance in entrepreneurial innovation in education should be timely and appropriate. Meanwhile, encouraging investors to support feasible projects that win prizes at competitions and linking with businesses to foster innovation within schools, providing opportunities for students to practice and gain experience, is essential.

Active mobilization of social resources is necessary to implement activities supporting student entrepreneurship effectively. We hope to receive attention and cooperation from departments, sectors, businesses, and investors to create mechanisms, policies, and a favorable environment that support students in realizing their valuable projects and ideas.

Thank you for your time!

Tay Long - Ngoc Mai