TTLV: Developing innovative startups in Seoul (2013-2023)

MASTER'S THESIS INFORMATION

1. Student's full name:Tran Thi Phuong Thao2. Gender:Female

3. Date of birth: 12/12/2001

4. Place of birth:Quang Ninh

5. Decision to recognize student number:5626/QD-XHNV dated December 29, 2023 of the President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

6. Changes in the training process:Do not have

7. Thesis topic name:Developing innovative startups in Seoul (2013-2023)

8. Industry:Asian StudiesCode:8310608.01

9. Scientific instructor:Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

10. Summary of thesis results:

          The first, the thesis has clarified the theoretical basis and practical basis for developing innovative startups in Seoul. The practical basis includes objective premises (national and international context) and subjective premises (Seoul city).

Monday, the thesis analyzed the current state of innovative startup development in Seoul according to 6 elements constituting the startup ecosystem: policy, finance, culture, support organization, human resources, market. Thereby, it shows the interaction between components in the ecosystem, in which policy plays an important role.

Tuesday, the study evaluated the achievements and limitations of innovative startup development in Seoul and proposed lessons learned. At the same time, it linked the practice with innovative startup development in Hanoi.

11. Practical application:

The thesis can be used as a reference for research activities on startup development policy and startup ecosystem of Seoul city in particular and Korea in general.

In addition, based on research on startup development in Seoul in the period 2013-2023, the thesis proposed a number of lessons learned from the model of Seoul city such as building a strategy to develop a startup ecosystem in each stage, attracting startup investment according to the public-private model, taking advantage of the role of universities, startup incubators, etc. From there, the thesis also gave specific suggestions to develop innovative startups in Hanoi city.

12. Further research directions:

- Comparative study between Seoul's startup ecosystem and other localities in Korea and other cities in the world

- In-depth study of a component of the Seoul startup ecosystem

13. Published works related to the project:

- Article “Seoul Startup Hub, Korea Startup Incubator Development Strategy (2017-2023)”,Korean Magazine, No. 3 (54) September 2025.

INFORMATION ON MASTER'S THESIS

1. Full name:Tran Thi Phuong Thao2. Sex:Female

3. Date of birth:December 12, 20014. Place of birth:Quang Ninh

5. Admission decision number:No. 5626/QD-XHNV Dated December 29, 2023 by the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

6. Changes in academic process:None

7. Official thesis title:Innovative startup development in Seoul (2013-2023)

8. Major:Asian Studies9. Code:8310608.01

10. Supervisors:PhD Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

11. Summary of the findings of the thesis:

Firstly, the thesis elucidates both the theoretical and practical foundations for the development of innovative startup in Seoul. The practical foundation encompasses objective premises such as national and international contexts and subjective premises that are specific to the city of Seoul.

Secondly, the thesis provides an in-depth analysis of the current status of innovative startup development in Seoul through six key components of the startup ecosystem: policy, finance, culture, support organizations, human resources and market. The findings reveal dynamic interactions among these components, with policy identified as a particularly influential factor shaping the ecosystem's overall performance.

Thirdly, the study evaluates the major achievements and existing limitations in the development of innovative startup in Seoul. Based on this evaluation, it draws several lessons that may serve as valuable references for retaining and stakeholders. In addition, the research offers practical insights by relating Seoul's experience to the context of innovative startup development in Hanoi.

12. Practical applicability:

The thesis can be used as a reference for research activities on startup development policies and the startup ecosystem of Seoul in particular and South Korea in general.

Based on the analysis of startup development in Seoul during the 2013-2023 period, the thesis draws several lessons from Seoul's model, such as building stage-specific strategies for startup ecosystem development, promoting startup investment through public - private partnership models, leveraging the role of universities and startup incubators. From these findings, the thesis also provides practical suggestions for fostering innovative startup development in Hanoi.

13. Further research directions:

- Research on comparative analyzes between the startup ecosystem of Seoul and those of other regions in South Korea or major cities around the world.

- Research on specific components within Seoul's startup ecosystem to provide more in-depth insights into their structures and effectiveness.

14. Thesis-related publications:

- Article:“Development strategies of the Seoul Startup Hub in South Korea (2017–2023)”,Korean Studies Journal, No. 3 (54), September 2025.