Special incentives are needed to attract technology experts.

Innovation driven by flexibility

Hanoi aims to strongly transform its growth model in depth, relying on science , technology and innovation to achieve double-digit growth. However, to realize this aspiration, the city needs more breakthrough mechanisms in supporting businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, while creating a strong enough ecosystem to attract and retain talent.

This content was discussed a lot by experts and businesses at the online seminar " Hanoi innovates growth model for double-digit growth target" on August 18.

According to Professor, Dr. Mac Quoc Anh - Vice President and General Secretary of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Hanoi is currently the "startup capital" of the country with more than 1,000 startups, of which 40% are in the digital technology field. SMEs are considered the "blood vessels" that nurture the value chain and create momentum for the city's GRDP.

"SMEs are aware that small size does not mean limitation. On the contrary, flexibility allows them to pioneer new business models, from green logistics to cross-border e-commerce," Mr. Mac Quoc Anh emphasized.

Professor, Dr. Mac Quoc Anh - Vice President and General Secretary of the Hanoi Association of Small and Medium Enterprises.

Many businesses have proactively incorporated ESG (Environment – Social – Governance) standards into their development strategies. This is an important step to help them enhance their reputation and meet global standards, especially in the context of the EU applying the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

To fuel this wave, Mr. Mac Quoc Anh suggested that Hanoi should establish an innovation support fund specifically for SMEs, instead of relying solely on tax incentives. At the same time, the city should coordinate with international organizations to design programs to connect global markets for businesses.

Need special offers

While SMEs show dynamism, creating a strong enough ecosystem to nurture and develop innovation remains a big problem.

Mr. Lai Hoang Duong - Director of Thanh Giong Computer Company assessed that Hanoi has a great advantage in high-quality human resources from universities. However, the biggest difficulty is still capital, including venture capital and capital for training.

To become a locomotive, Hanoi needs a fund for a venture capital ecosystem and a strong enough science and technology fund to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with other capitals in the region.

“Regarding infrastructure, I propose that Hanoi should have an innovation and start-up center to attract talent as well as have more research topics. If this center is established quickly and strongly, Hanoi can become a cradle to attract domestic and global experts, turning Hanoi into an innovation center not only for the whole country but also for the world,” said Mr. Duong.

Mr. Lai Hoang Duong - Director of Thanh Giong Computer Company.

The core elements of innovation are technology and people. To develop high-tech enterprises, Hanoi needs to have special preferential policies to attract leading experts.

"We hope that Hanoi will have open preferential policies for experts, especially foreign experts, such as exemption and reduction of income tax; simplification of residence procedures and increased support for training digital technology talents," Mr. Duong proposed.

The Director of Thanh Giong Computer Company also recommended that the city should have preferential tax policies so that businesses are willing to invest and invite experts to work. Specifically, he proposed that income from salaries and wages of researchers at science and technology enterprises should be considered income not subject to personal income tax.

This will be a great competitive advantage, helping Hanoi attract and retain high-quality human resources, thereby realizing the goal of becoming a leading innovation center.

Minh Thu

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/can-uu-dai-dac-thu-de-hut-chuyen-gia-cong-nghe/20250818104717654