On July 28, as part of the Gia Lai Quantum Year 2026 international event series, the Gia Lai People's Committee, in collaboration with the National Innovation Center (NIC), the Vietnam Quantum Innovation and Technology Experts Network (VNQuantum) and the International Center for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE), organized the Quantum Technology-Driven Creative Economy Forum.

The forum was attended by Prof. Tran Hong Thai, President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology; Pham Anh Tuan, Chairman of the Gia Lai People's Committee; along with scientists, experts, businesses, investors and international partners.

Building an innovation ecosystem

Opening the forum, Chairman Pham Anh Tuan said that science, technology, innovation and digital transformation have become key drivers of competitiveness for countries and localities alike.

Strategic technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and quantum technology present significant development opportunities while also requiring early preparation in policy, human resources and research capacity.

According to Tuan, Gia Lai Quantum Year 2026 aims to connect domestic and international resources, promote research collaboration, develop talent and gradually build the province's innovation ecosystem.

Gia Lai has strengths in high-tech agriculture, renewable energy, processing industries, logistics, tourism and the marine economy. Its research foundation has also been strengthened through the presence of the International Center for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE), the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research in Science and Education (IFIRSE), the Quang Trung Quantum Technology Discovery Center, and networks of Vietnamese and international scientists.

Pham Anh Tuan stressed that the province is not embracing quantum technology simply to follow a global trend, but to establish a foundation for long-term development.

Potential research and application areas include optimizing agricultural supply chains, managing natural resources and the environment, advancing energy and logistics, strengthening data security, and addressing sustainable development challenges.

He called on participants to identify Gia Lai's competitive advantages and the segments of the strategic technology value chain where the province could contribute. He also encouraged proposals on policy, infrastructure, talent development, data and the investment environment, while expressing hopes that the forum would lead to research partnerships, training programs, technology transfer projects and investment initiatives.

Creating a new growth driver

Delegates participate in a roundtable discussion on quantum technology. Photo: Ngoc Minh

Speakers at the forum examined Gia Lai's strengths and the most suitable entry points for participating in the quantum technology and semiconductor value chains.

Presentations explored breakthroughs, challenges and growth opportunities associated with quantum technology, the potential for establishing quantum manufacturing facilities in Gia Lai, international collaboration, talent development and the creation of an innovation ecosystem.

Experts also discussed the concept of the University 4.0 model, collaborative research mechanisms, applications of the quantum economy and cooperation among government agencies, research institutes, universities, businesses and investors.

A highlight of the event was a roundtable discussion on developing interdisciplinary talent, connecting domestic and international research networks and laboratories, and building cooperation mechanisms linking local authorities with research institutions, universities and businesses.

Participants also proposed developing a high-tech park model, establishing long-term funding mechanisms for fundamental research and expanding international cooperation.

During the discussion, Pham Anh Tuan reiterated that Gia Lai had chosen quantum technology as a catalyst for future growth while leveraging its strengths in high-tech agriculture, energy, logistics and digital transformation.

The province will continue improving its investment environment, strengthening partnerships with research institutes, universities, technology companies and international partners, while expanding workforce training, research, technology transfer and commercialization efforts.

Following Gia Lai Quantum Year 2026, the province plans to prioritize implementing partnerships established through the forum and gradually translate them into concrete research, education and technology transfer projects.

Ha Nam