Launch of the Institute for Policy and Management

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Kim (center) presents the University's decision appointing Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh (right) as the Director of the Institute. (Photo:Jackie Chan(USSH)

The Institute of Policy and Management (IPAM), under the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, was established on the basis of the Center for Policy Research and Analysis (CEPTA) under the University. Over its seven years of operation, the Center has achieved significant accomplishments in research, training, and the development of international projects aimed at building and developing the field of policy science in Vietnam. The Center has organized numerous training courses on policy analysis and planning skills for officials in many provinces and cities nationwide; signed cooperation agreements with many domestic and international partners; published many books and documents on policy science; and begun to form a network in the field of policy science in Vietnam.

Building upon these achievements, IPAM was established as a legally recognized public institution with the function of research, training, consulting, and networking of strategic ideas and thinking in Vietnam. IPAM has been actively participating in regional and international forums, serving as a focal point for attracting and gathering resources in the field of policy science. The leadership team of IPAM, entrusted by the University, includes: Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh (Director), Dr. Dao Thanh Truong (Vice Director), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Cao Dam (Chairman of the Science and Training Council).

Jackie Chan/USSH

Associate Professor Dr. Vu Cao Dam (Chairman of the Science and Training Council) delivered a speech at the ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Nguyen Van Khanh (Rector of the University, Director of the Institute of Policy and Management) expressed his sincere gratitude to Associate Professor Vu Cao Dam, the former leader of CEPSTA, for his significant contributions to the current growth of IPAM. The Director also stated that the Institute will always prioritize creativity, commitment, and flexibility in implementing its activities with the motto "Ideas – Awareness – Innovation". With this orientation, the Institute aims to become an effective "think tank" in the field of policy and management, actively contributing to the process of policy planning and implementation, promoting socio-economic development and integration of the country.

IPAM will focus on three basic tasks:

- Short-term and long-term training, primarily at the postgraduate level, on policy planning and evaluation programs in public policy, public management, and public administration.

- Conduct research and implement research activities, participate in and contribute to the development and use of advanced solutions in policy adjustments and management activities.

- Implementing diverse scientific services, providing and gathering information on management policies; providing consultation and advice as requested.

On behalf of the Party Committee and the Board of Directors of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Kim (Vice Rector of the University) delivered a congratulatory speech on the launch of IPAM, affirming that the Institute was established to meet the requirements of expanding cooperation and development, building a network of policy research to meet the practical needs of forming "think tanks" in policy research in Vietnam. With what it has achieved, the Institute will soon assert its position, becoming a leading institute, a center for resources in research and postgraduate training in policy and management, pioneering in the country. On the other hand, the establishment of IPAM – the first institute model in the University of Social Sciences and Humanities – will create favorable conditions to help the University implement cutting-edge and key research projects and perform its postgraduate training function more effectively.

Jackie Chan/USSH

Associate Professor Vu Cao Dam, Professor Nguyen Van Khanh, and Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh chaired the seminar "Assessing Research and Training Activities in the Field of Policy in Vietnam - Some Achievements and Prospects."

On the same day, IPAM organized a seminar titled "Assessing Research and Training Activities in the Field of Policy in Vietnam – Some Achievements and Prospects," with the participation of experts and scientists from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the National Academy of Politics and Public Administration, the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, the Institute of Legislative Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, etc. The delegates exchanged and discussed many specific topics: the role of policy in socio-economic development; new requirements for research and training in the field of policy; some approaches in policy research; research and training in social policy from a sociological perspective; inadequacies in policy planning in Vietnam; training in public policy; building a network for research and analysis of public policy in Vietnam; models of collaborative training and research between faculties and institutes in research universities; Regarding the urgent need to launch a Journal, which would serve as the official publication of the Institute and of the policy and management research community in Vietnam.

The discussions affirmed the significance and importance of establishing a research and training institute on policy and management in Vietnam; the IPAM model under the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - VNU Hanoi, one of the largest centers of social sciences and humanities in the country; as well as many insightful and insightful statements providing direction for the future development of IPAM…