University of Transport and Communications proposes a strategic cooperation model at the Conference of Vietnam’s Seven Leading Engineering and Technology Universities

Amid the nationwide implementation of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on achieving breakthroughs in the development of science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, together with Resolution No. 71/NQ-CP of the Government on the development of high-quality human resources, particularly in STEM and strategic technology fields, strengthening collaboration among engineering higher education institutions has become an urgent priority. Such collaboration is essential to leverage the respective strengths of individual universities and create synergies in education and training, scientific research, and innovation.

On the afternoon of July 15, 2026, the Conference of Seven Engineering and Technology Universities was held in Phu Tho Province, with the participation of representatives of the Ministry of Education and Training and leaders of seven leading engineering universities across the country, namely Hanoi University of Science and Technology, the University of Transport and Communications, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, Thuyloi University, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology – Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, and the University of Science and Technology – The University of Danang.

Representing the Ministry of Education and Training at the Conference were Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tien Thao, Director General of the Department of Higher Education, and Mr. Dinh Ngoc Dinh, Deputy Chief of the Ministry’s Office. The Conference served as a forum for the universities to exchange views and propose new cooperation models aimed at harnessing the collective strength of inter-university collaboration in education and training, scientific research, innovation, and digital transformation, thereby contributing to the implementation of the strategic priorities of the education and training sector.

At the Conference, delegates heard seven presentations focusing on key cooperation priorities among engineering and technology universities. Hanoi University of Science and Technology presented a paper entitled “Strategic Cooperation: Developing a PhD-Level Faculty Workforce for the 2026–2030 Period,” proposing mechanisms for joint doctoral training, faculty development, and enhancement of research capacity among participating universities. Hanoi University of Mining and Geology introduced the “HUMG-G7: Building a Talent Training Ecosystem in the Digital Era” model, while also proposing priority research areas closely aligned with the national strategic technology list. Hanoi University of Science and Technology also shared its experience in developing and operating a “Digital University Education Platform – MOOC and Shared Learning Resources: Lessons from Implementation.” Hanoi University of Civil Engineering presented a paper entitled “Developing Strategic Technologies in Connection with Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer: The Role of University–Local Government–Enterprise Cooperation,” highlighting the importance of strengthening linkages among universities, local authorities, and enterprises. Hanoi University of Mining and Geology further proposed “Priority Research Cooperation Areas for the Group of Seven Engineering and Technology Universities.” Meanwhile, Thuyloi University presented a paper entitled “Engineering Universities for the Development of Agriculture, Environment, and Disaster Management towards Sustainable Growth,” proposing stronger interdisciplinary cooperation to address the country’s sustainable development challenges.

Representing the University of Transport and Communications, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Chuong, Vice President, delivered a presentation entitled “From Resource Sharing to Co-Creation of National Strategic Programs,” which attracted considerable attention from the delegates thanks to its strategic proposals and strong potential for practical implementation.

In his presentation, the University of Transport and Communications emphasized the need to shift from a model of cooperation based on individual and standalone activities towards the co-creation of national strategic programs, in which participating universities jointly invest, jointly utilize resources, and jointly develop high-value outcomes and products. UTC proposed four key pillars for cooperation: (1) strategic human resource development; (2) building a research and innovation ecosystem; (3) developing shared digital platforms; and (4) coordinated efforts to address major national challenges.

A key highlight of the presentation was the proposal for a “Lead University” model, under which each major program would be led by a university with relevant strengths and expertise, while the other universities would participate through a consortium-based mechanism to maximize the utilization of collective resources and expertise. The University of Transport and Communications also proposed developing a shared digital education and training ecosystem, establishing an inter-university laboratory network, fostering high-performing research groups, and developing coordination mechanisms for the implementation of large-scale science and technology programs and projects.

One area that received broad support from the delegates was the selection of modern railway development as one of the G7’s key cooperation programs. Under this initiative, the University of Transport and Communications could serve as a focal point for training, research, and technology transfer, working in coordination with member universities to advance expertise in infrastructure, materials, control systems, automation, and railway operation and management. This collaboration would contribute to meeting the requirements for the development and implementation of Vietnam’s high-speed and urban railway projects.

Following the presentations, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tien Thao, Director General of the Department of Higher Education, shared several orientations of the Ministry of Education and Training regarding the strengthening of linkages among higher education institutions, promoting resource sharing, and enhancing the quality of education and training, scientific research, and innovation. He also encouraged the development of in-depth cooperation models that generate tangible products and concrete value, thereby contributing to the effective implementation of the objectives set out in Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW and Resolution No. 71/NQ-CP.

During the discussion session, the Presidents and Directors of the participating universities exchanged a wide range of views and recommendations aimed at further refining the cooperation mechanism in the coming period. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Hung, President of the University of Transport and Communications, emphasized that, in order to translate the major policies and directions of the Party and the State into practice, cooperation among engineering universities should be implemented in a substantive, effective, and sustainable manner, with a focus on programs featuring clearly defined objectives, specific coordination mechanisms, and measurable outputs. The President affirmed that the University of Transport and Communications is ready to take on a coordinating role in areas where the University has strong expertise, thereby working together with member universities to build an alliance of engineering universities with sufficient capacity to undertake national strategic missions in human resource development, science and technology, and innovation.

The Conference reached a high level of consensus on the direction of strengthening cooperation among engineering and technology universities, opening up opportunities to establish large-scale joint programs in education and training, research, and innovation. These efforts will make a positive contribution to the implementation of the orientations set out in Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW and Resolution No. 71/NQ-CP, while enhancing Vietnam’s scientific and technological capacity and the quality of its human resources in the new phase of national development.

ICDS