Launching an ecosystem to support social innovation startups for VNU-USSH students.

Social science and humanities students have many advantages in social innovation entrepreneurship; however, they still face significant challenges due to limitations in technological skills as well as a lack of foundation and guidance in entrepreneurship and innovation. Support from partners in the startup ecosystem will help build a sustainable foundation and concretize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Following the successful scientific seminar "Challenges of Social Innovation in the Current Context and Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Social Sciences and Humanities Students" held on January 8, 2025, at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-USSH), the Institute for Policy and Management (IPAM) has signed cooperation agreements with partners to create a network and ecosystem for entrepreneurship among students in social sciences and humanities.
- IPAM signed agreements with: Vietnam Impact Startup Incubator and Accelerator – VISIA, i3 Networks System Joint Stock Company, and Citizen Developer Company Limited regarding cooperation in implementing the Zoho Young Creator Program (YCP) – a global youth innovation initiative designed to empower future business leaders in Vietnam who wish to contribute to the National Strategy for the Development of the Digital Economy and Digital Society (Decision No. 411/QD-TTg) of the Prime Minister. The main focus of the cooperation is on supporting the development of startup models and the application of technology platforms to students, concentrating on impact startup models at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

- A cooperation agreement with Vietnam Creative Startup Fund Investment and Development Joint Stock Company to jointly research, develop, and implement a startup incubation project, with the goal of creating 500 young entrepreneurs in the cultural industry sector within 10 years.

- The STG Center for Local Development Research, Consulting and Training focuses on the development of an innovative startup ecosystem and impactful economic models within universities.

- The next cooperation agreement is with the Vietnam Innovation Hub VIH Hanoi Network to promote activities related to the startup ecosystem, digital transformation, and open innovation in the technology sector linked to economic development and environmental protection; to pilot and test new technology-based economic models, innovative digital economy, and digital transformation, through businesses and startup projects, especially projects from USSH students and alumni.

- The next collaboration agreement is with the founder of OPENNEZT, primarily focusing on startup development and communication, including organizing workshops and events to share experiences and knowledge related to finding co-founders and building startup teams.

Launching the R2SI Program for VNU-USSH Students

With the aim of enhancing the participation of lecturers and students in social sciences and humanities in addressing current social and environmental challenges through innovative business solutions and projects, and realizing collaborative initiatives, the Institute of Policy and Management has established and officially launched the R2SI Program to create a space for incubating future social innovation entrepreneurs in Vietnam.

Road2Social Innovator (R2SI) is an open innovation program focused on the social sector for students, aiming to equip them with the mindset, knowledge, and skills for social innovation (identifying pressing social issues and designing sustainable solutions); promote sustainable entrepreneurship (exploring entrepreneurial opportunities, developing social business models with sustainable impact); and build a network connecting students with social impact businesses, NGOs, startup support organizations, and investors, linking students from different disciplines in interdisciplinary projects.
The program emphasizes harnessing the potential of social science and humanities students, while enhancing their adaptability to digital transformation, fostering sustainable entrepreneurship, and promoting socially innovative thinking.
The program is an initiative of the Institute of Policy and Management under the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, attracting the attention and support of many organizations inside and outside the university, such as the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, the University's Student Union, VNFund, YCP, STG, Vietnam Impact Startup Incubator and Accelerator (VISIA); i3 Networks System Joint Stock Company; Citizen Developer Company Limited, Vietnam Citizen Development Company Limited, Vietnam Creative Startup Association, OpenNezt, and other partners in the Vietnamese innovation and startup ecosystem.
 

The program will be implemented in four phases with very specific goals, messages, and action plans:

Phase 1: Discover “Social innovator - who you are?” - Explore your personal value and innovative power.

Phase 2: Challenge to Innovate

Phase 3: USSH Launchpad - The USSH Launchpad

Phase 4: Impact the World – Bringing Innovation to Market

In addition to training courses, workshops, talk shows, and innovation tours on self-employment, Nocode, within the framework of the program, aims to equip students with knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship. Students will also be supported with tools, skills, and resources to transform ideas for solving social challenges and business problems into feasible projects that can be brought to market, creating real social impact and economic value.
These activities not only build a sustainable entrepreneurial foundation for students but also contribute to affirming USSH's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while adding value to the Impact Ranking and enhancing the university's position and reputation on the international education map.
This is a great opportunity for students of the Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities to directly participate in the innovative startup ecosystem right at the university, to fully develop their strengths, and transform the knowledge, skills, and methods in social sciences and humanities that they have been trained in in-depth and systematically into successful startup ideas and projects that bring value to themselves and the community. With the large participation of students from all disciplines at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, and the collaboration of organizations and businesses, the program's management board expects that in the first year of implementation, 10 projects by Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities students will be incubated, and at least 3 projects will receive investment and have products launched on the market.

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