Successful organization of the Workshop “From UK Excellence to Viet Nam Innovation: Establishing a Digital Twin Centre for Transport Infrastructure and Mobility”

On the afternoon of 17 December 2025, the University of Transport and Communications (UTC) successfully hosted the scientific workshop entitled “From UK Excellence to Viet Nam Innovation: Establishing a Digital Twin Centre for Transport Infrastructure and Mobility”. The event attracted the participation of a large number of scientists, experts, representatives from government agencies, and enterprises operating in the fields of transport and technology.

The workshop was organised with the aim of strengthening academic exchange and research connectivity between the University and leading experts in the field of Digital Twin technologies, while also collecting expert input to support the development of a roadmap and operational model for a Digital Twin Centre for Transport Infrastructure in Vietnam. In addition, the event sought to promote the “triple-helix” collaboration model—bringing together government, universities, and industry—to accelerate the practical application of Digital Twin technologies and support the digital transformation of the transport sector. The workshop was conducted within the framework of the iTechPath project “From UK Excellence to Viet Nam Innovation: Establishing a Digital Twin Centre for Transport Infrastructure and Mobility”, funded by the British Council*.

Overview of the workshop

In the opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Hung, President of the University of Transport and Communications, emphasised the importance and significant potential of Digital Twin technology—one of the strategic technologies identified by the Government in the national agenda for science and technology development, innovation, and digital transformation. On this basis, the University has identified research, training, and development in Digital Twin technologies, with a view towards establishing a Centre of Excellence in this field, as a key strategic direction to concretise action plans for implementing Resolution No. 57/NQ-TW of the Politburo. The President also highlighted the pivotal role of the triple-helix cooperation model in linking academic research with real-world needs, thereby progressively mastering, localising, and effectively applying strategic technologies in support of the sustainable development of the transport sector and the country as a whole.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Hung – President of UTC delivering the opening remarks

During the workshop, participants listened to in-depth presentations and expert insights from distinguished national and international speakers. Notably, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Huan from Middlesex University London (UK)—Academic Lead of the iTechPath Project, Founder and Director of the London Digital Twin Research Centre, Chair of the Vietnamese Intellectual Society in the UK and Ireland, and a member of the National Advisory Council under the Central Steering Committee on Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation of Viet Nam—shared valuable experiences in Digital Twin research, training, and implementation in the UK. His presentation covered Centre of Excellence models, approaches to linking academia, industry, and policy, as well as important recommendations for developing a Digital Twin Centre tailored to the Vietnamese context.

The workshop also featured presentations by Prof. Dr. Bui Tien Thanh, Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Head of the Bridge and Tunnel Department at UTC; Ms. Nguyen Quynh Lien, Chief Executive Officer of Hai Hoa Company; Mr. Liu Heng Yi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of VINAFORE; and Ms. Do Phuong Hoa, Chief Executive Officer of VINAFORE. The event was further honoured by the participation of representatives from the Institute of Transport Science and Technology (Ministry of Construction), Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, along with numerous lecturers and university managers from UTC.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Huan presenting at the workshop

Prof. Dr. Bui Tien Thanh presenting at the workshop

Ms. Do Phuong Hoa presenting at the workshop

Ms. Nguyen Quynh Lien presenting at the workshop

At the workshop, representatives of the iTechPath Project Management and Implementation Board at UTC presented an overview of the project’s initial survey findings. The survey, conducted through questionnaires and direct interviews with experts, academics, managers, and enterprise representatives from both Viet Nam and the United Kingdom, revealed a high level of interest among the academic community, businesses, and regulatory bodies in applying Digital Twin technologies to transport infrastructure.

A significant proportion of respondents came from enterprises and operational units, reflecting strong practical demand from the market and infrastructure operators. However, most organisations have not yet implemented Digital Twin solutions or are still at early exploratory or pilot stages, with limited awareness and application capacity. Identified priority application areas include technical infrastructure management and monitoring, multi-source data sharing and integration, and decision support for planning, operation, and maintenance. Key enabling factors were identified as leadership commitment, high-quality human resource development, and the establishment of robust policy frameworks, particularly data policies. Conversely, major barriers remain limited investment funding, shortages of specialised skills, and constraints related to data quality and accessibility. These findings further underline the urgency and practical significance of developing a clear roadmap and operational model for a Digital Twin Centre for Transport Infrastructure in Viet Nam.

Survey results collected through questionnaires

Survey findings on required skills and preferred training formats in Digital Twin technologies

Through presentations, discussions, and academic exchange, the workshop became a highly practical scientific forum where researchers, experts, policymakers, and enterprises shared knowledge, experience, and real-world solutions for applying Digital Twin technologies to transport infrastructure. The event not only contributed to advancing the adoption of modern technologies in the research, design, construction, and operation of transport infrastructure, but also opened up new, deeper, and more effective opportunities for collaboration in education, scientific research, and technology transfer between UTC and its national and international partners. This workshop is considered an important step in laying the foundation for the establishment of a Digital Twin Centre for Transport Infrastructure in Viet Nam, fostering international cooperation, developing high-quality human resources, and making a positive contribution to the digital transformation of the transport sector in the coming period.

* The workshop was organised within the framework of the project ““From UK Excellence to Viet Nam Innovation: Establishing a Digital Twin Centre for Transport Infrastructure and Mobility” under the UK–Viet Nam iTechPath Programme, funded by the British Council and co-led by the University of Transport and Communications, Middlesex University (UK), with the participation of Transport Engineering Design Inc. (TEDI), Hanoi Metro, and TRANSERCO. The UK–Viet Nam iTechPath Programme aims to strengthen strategic cooperation between the United Kingdom and Viet Nam in science, technology, and innovation through the establishment of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral talent programmes in priority areas; the promotion of joint research, academic exchange, and transnational education; and the progressive development of Centres of Excellence within Vietnamese universities. For further information, please visit: https://www.britishcouncil.vn/en/programmes/education/going-global-partnerships/success-stories/funded-projects.

ICDS