About us
Aus4Innovation is proudly funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, co-funded and managed by Australia’s National Science Agency – CSIRO, and in a strategic partnership with Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology. The program strongly aligns with the elevated Australia–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) established in March 2024, and is dedicated to fostering an innovation-led economy and sustainable development within Viet Nam, as well as an enduring partnership in science, technology and innovation between the two countries.
Our journey
Launched in 2018 with a total budget of AUD 33.5 mil, Aus4Innovation is committed to supporting Vietnam to strengthen its innovation system to better respond to emerging challenges and opportunities. In Phase One (2018 – 2023), the program has successfully collaborated with the Ministry of Science and Technology and other partners – the academia, government agencies, businesses, and communities – in both Australia and Vietnam to introduce novel yet practical solutions to address challenges in the innovation system.
After a “design refresh” completed in mid-2023, the program moved in its Phase Two (2023-2028) with a stronger focus on resilient agriculture and food, and responsible digital transformation, which are crucial areas of Vietnam. In this phase, the program will further enhance the innovative models, approaches, and practices that it has been introducing to and co-developing with partners to help fill the gaps in the innovation system. Valuable lessons and insights collected throughout the journey will be disseminated to innovators as a legacy of the program upon its conclusion in 2028.
Our vision
The heart of Aus4Innovation is our vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable socio-economic environment in Vietnam, powered by science, technology, and innovative excellence. Our goal is to nurture an ecosystem that not only addresses today’s needs but also anticipates and shapes future advancements.
Our strategic objectives
- Strengthen Vietnam’s capability to design and implement reformative policies and regulatory frameworks that foster inclusive innovation
- Enhance the ability of targeted innovation ecosystems in selected sector to continuously respond to an evolving context
- Build inclusive national and regional innovation support mechanisms to connect people, ideas, investments, and resources
- Foster sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships that amplify the innovation frameworks of both Australia and Vietnam
Our areas of focus
Our program stems from a thorough analysis of Vietnam’s innovation system, in which key system “failures” are identified, such as the lack of directionality; institutional, network and interaction limitation; and insufficient technological, financial, and learning capacities. These hurdles hinder the nation’s ability to innovate and compete globally. By working closely with local partners, Aus4Innovation helps address these issues by fostering a culture of innovation, introducing international best practices, developing practical tools and frameworks, and strengthening innovation networks.
This comprehensive approach is demonstrated through four interlinked workstreams:
Innovation Policy Dialogue
Building capacity for policy makers in selected ministries of Vietnam to enact policy and regulatory reform that enables inclusive innovation
Network of Innovation Actors
Enhancing the connectivity among key stakeholders in the system to foster new ways of collaboration, leverage new technological solutions, mobilise more investment to realise more innovation ideas
Innovation Funding & Finance
Facilitating financial support for proven innovative solutions through grants that address pertinent socio-economic challenges through Australia – Vietnam partnerships
Innovation Partnerships
Strengthening relationships among governmental bodies, academic institutions, and industry to foster a cohesively innovative environment in Vietnam, and between Vietnam and Australia
Our commitment to Equity and Inclusion
At Aus4Innovation, our commitment to Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and it deepens as we enter into Phase Two of our program. We recognize the importance of addressing the diverse needs of all members of society, and we are proactively integrating GEDSI (Gender Equity, Disabilities and Social Inclusion) principles into our initiatives.
By honing our focus on resilient agriculture and food, we strive to align with both nations’ climate commitments and ensure an impactful program. This approach allows us to build an innovation ecosystem that not only addresses environmental challenges but also fosters social resilience and empowers every member, regardless of gender or social background, to contribute to and benefit from our collaborative efforts.
Looking ahead
As we push forward, Aus4Innovation remains steadfast in its commitment to helping drive forward transformative changes that align with Vietnam’s strategic goals for becoming a high-income, inclusive economy by 2045, as outlined in Vietnam’s Socio-Economic Development Strategy for 2021-2030.
