The National Technology Innovation Fund (Natif) has announced its ambitious plan to support hundreds of enterprises in Vietnam in their technology innovation efforts within the upcoming year. During the "Future of Science and Technology, Innovation, and National Digital Transformation" forum held on October 4 in Hanoi, Bui Quang Minh, Director of Natif, emphasized that enterprises are the central focus of the fund's support programs.

According to Minh, this initiative represents a two-way collaboration where businesses require resources for technology innovation, while the fund seeks to identify enterprises with genuine needs and the capability for effective implementation. The support mechanisms include grants or contracts for innovation tasks, interest rate subsidies for loans, and financial vouchers to assist businesses in purchasing technology services.

Feedback from beneficiaries of the fund indicates that national support enhances the credibility of their products in the market. Currently, Natif is accepting applications for funding projects that utilize artificial intelligence until October 10. Enterprises interested in applying AI to develop new products, services, or business models can receive up to 3 billion VND for their projects. Priority sectors for funding include processing and manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, logistics and supply chains, commerce, services, and public administration.

For enterprises borrowing from banks, the fund offers a 50% interest rate subsidy as part of its program. Natif has already initiated its first phase and is preparing to expand its scale. The fund is also exploring the implementation of technology innovation support through financial vouchers, allowing businesses to purchase technology services at reduced prices.

Despite the enthusiasm expressed by businesses during discussions, there is a noticeable gap between interest levels and the number of applications submitted. Minh noted that while companies are eager to participate, fewer actually follow through with applications. Concerns about responsibilities after receiving government support and uncertainties regarding the application process contribute to this discrepancy.

To address these issues, Natif is designing an online application process to enhance convenience, transparency, and guidance for businesses. The goal is to enable enterprises to proactively register for funding consideration based on program conditions. The fund aims to shorten evaluation times and simplify procedures while ensuring accountability in the use of resources.

Nguyen Mai Duong, Director of the Department of Innovation, remarked that Vietnam has transitioned from establishing mechanisms to implementing them. Consequently, enterprises play a pivotal role in the scientific research, technology development, production, and market chain. He emphasized that businesses not only apply research results in production and business but also actively invest in research and development.

Large enterprises can pose technological challenges and provide platforms for small and medium-sized enterprises to enhance their technology and participate in production chains. The Department of Innovation representatives stated that management agencies will work alongside businesses to resolve any difficulties they encounter. Duong expressed optimism that in the coming year, more enterprises will receive support through state budget resources, coupled with contributions from businesses, leading to the creation of competitive products.