Science and Technology Drive Cooperative Development

Leveraging comprehensive support policies

In 2026, the Department of Science and Technology took proactive steps to incorporate support policies for the collective economic sector into the province's main initiatives. The emphasis has been on assisting cooperatives (co-ops) in technology innovation, developing intellectual property rights, establishing systems for product traceability, implementing advanced quality standards, and speeding up digital transformation in their production and business processes.

A significant achievement has been the enhancement of intellectual property linked to OCOP products and key local products. Currently, the province boasts over 54 collective trademarks overseen by various associations, cooperatives, and cooperative groups. In 2026 alone, the department helped 15 enterprises and cooperatives successfully complete industrial property registration procedures.

Furthermore, considerable advancements have been attained in quality management, standards, and measurement. The department has launched a project focused on the implementation and management of products and goods traceability systems for the period of 2026-2030; completed 56 assessments for VietGAP certification, analyzed over 5,200 agricultural product samples, and inspected and calibrated nearly 20,000 measuring devices.

Significantly, eight cooperatives have successfully received assistance to adopt advanced quality management systems, including six cooperatives certified under VietGAP, one certified to ISO 22000:2015 standards, and one compliant with HACCP standards.

Support from specialized agencies has led to notable improvements at the grassroots level. Ngo Thi Tam Hanh, Director of the Thuan Phat TPH General Agricultural Cooperative (Lam Vien - Da Lat Ward), one of the cooperatives receiving assistance to standardize its production processes, stated: “Our cooperative was formed in 2021 and obtained VietGAP certification from the very beginning. When it came time to renew the certification, we received thorough guidance from officials at the Department of Science and Technology regarding cultivation methods, environmental safeguards, and waste management procedures. By fulfilling all the rigorous requirements, the cooperative successfully renewed its VietGAP certification in early 2026, establishing a strong foundation for consistent agricultural product sales.”

In a similar vein, Tran Van Viet, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nam Ninh Agricultural Services Cooperative in Cat Tien Commune, stated: “Support from the science and technology sector has played a crucial role in helping local residents and cooperatives. To obtain VietGAP certification, officials from the department visited our farms to provide training, closely supervise production processes, and offer detailed technical assistance. Consequently, our members' approach to production has significantly improved, and the products we create are safer and have been positively received in the market.”

Technology supply-and-demand connection activities have also shown positive signs. Through the province's technology connection portal, 65 science and technology organizations, 17 science and technology enterprises and 13 high-tech agricultural enterprises have been connected, creating greater opportunities for cooperatives to access new knowledge and technologies.

Removing bottlenecks, creating momentum for breakthroughs

Despite their successes, the Department of Science and Technology has identified several obstacles during implementation. Numerous cooperatives in the province have not adequately focused on technological innovation, and their capacity to adopt and utilize new technologies remains constrained. Funding for digital transformation is also lacking, and the participation of cooperatives in provincial science and technology support initiatives is still relatively low.

By 2027, the Department of Science and Technology intends to further promote the application of science and technology, promote innovation and digital transformation in the collective economic sector; enhance the competitiveness and quality of cooperative products, improve production and business efficiency, and strengthen cooperatives’ participation in value chains.

The department specifically plans to assist between 15 and 20 cooperatives in registering and developing their intellectual property rights; help 10 to 15 cooperatives in setting up systems for product traceability; and support a minimum of 10 cooperatives in implementing advanced quality management standards such as VietGAP, GlobalGAP, HACCP, and ISO 22000.

Additionally, 5 to 10 cooperatives will engage directly in technological innovation and digital transformation initiatives. Furthermore, at least three comprehensive training sessions focusing on intellectual property, innovation, productivity, and quality enhancement will be conducted for the management teams of cooperatives throughout the province.

With science and technology and digital transformation identified as core drivers, the proactive support of the provincial Department of Science and Technology is expected to provide an important boost for cooperatives to transform their thinking, enhance the value of local agricultural brands and make a practical contribution to the province's overall socio-economic development.