About us

Welcome to Aus4Innovation

Aus4Innovation is a AUD33.5 million program proudly funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), co-funded and managed by Australia’s national science agency – CSIRO, and delivered in a strategic partnership with Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MST). The program is dedicated to fostering an innovation-led economy for the inclusive and sustainable development of Vietnam. This strongly aligns with the elevated Australia–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) established in March 2024, where Science, Technology and Innovation is a key pillar of the bi-lateral partnership.

Our journey

Launched in 2018 with a total budget of AUD 33.5 million, Aus4Innovation is committed to supporting Vietnam in strengthening its innovation system to better respond to emerging challenges and opportunities. In Phase One (2018 – 2023), the program successfully collaborated with MST and other partners –academia, government agencies, businesses, and communities – in both Australia and Vietnam to introduce novel and practical solutions to address challenges in the innovation system.

Following a “design refresh”, the program moved into Phase Two (2023-2028) with a stronger emphasis on resilient agriculture and food, and responsible digital transformation, which are crucial areas for Vietnam. In Phase Two, the program further enhances the innovative models, approaches, and practices co-developing with partners to bridge gaps in the innovation system. The valuable lessons and insights collected throughout the journey will be shared with innovators as a legacy of the program upon its conclusion in 2028.

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.

Main areas of focus

Aus4Innovation is rooted on a comprehensive analysis of an innovation system, in which key system gaps are identified, such as the lack of directionality; institutional, network and interaction limitation; and insufficient technological, financial, and learning capacities. These hurdles can hinder a nation’s ability to innovate and compete. By working closely with local partners, Aus4Innovation addresses 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 Vietnamese Ministries 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, and mobilise more investment to realise innovation ideas.

Innovation Funding and 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. 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 and responsible digital transformation, 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 of society, 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.