[Research Contribution] Establishing a National Research Center for Ocean Technology: Initiating a Marine Technology Ecosystem for a Sustainable Future

18 July, 2025

Keywords: Ocean technology; National Research Center; Innovation; Technology transfer; Startup ecosystem

The establishment of national research organizations dedicated to ocean technology is a strategic priority in many countries worldwide. In this context, the People’s Committee of Khanh Hoa Province has directly commissioned the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) to develop a proposal for the creation of a National Research Center for Ocean Technology. The center will focus on seven priority research areas: marine robotics, ocean monitoring technology, data management and analysis, ocean modelling, marine renewable energy technology, marine biotechnology, and blue marine conservation.

From Global Trends to Vietnam’s Strategic Context

As numerous countries advance ocean economy development strategies grounded in science and technology, the creation of national ocean technology research centers has emerged as a critical pathway. In Vietnam, the sustainable development strategy for the marine economy has been actively promoted, aiming to integrate resource conservation with the efficient exploitation of ocean potential through advanced technologies and innovation models.

Responding to this strategic imperative, the People’s Committee of Khanh Hoa Province commissioned UEH—represented by the Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM)—to design a proposal for the National Research Center for Ocean Technology. This initiative marks a pioneering step in building a specialized science–technology platform to serve the South Central Coast region while fostering international connectivity.

From Natural Potential to Technological Innovation Needs

With a coastline stretching over 3,200 km and a strategic location within the Asia–Pacific supply chain network, Vietnam holds substantial advantages for marine economic development. At present, the marine and coastal sectors contribute roughly 50% of national GDP, primarily from industries such as oil and gas, fisheries, maritime transport, and tourism.

However, the contribution of science and technology to marine economic development remains limited, reflected in:

A shortage of national-scale marine research centers;
Fragmented research infrastructure with insufficient international linkages;
Inflexible mechanisms to support innovation in the marine sector;
The absence of targeted policies to attract talent and investment in marine technology.

The establishment of a national research center capable of conducting advanced research, development, and application of ocean technologies is therefore considered a necessary breakthrough—addressing existing bottlenecks and driving the marine economy towards sustainability, innovation, and global integration.

The National Research Center for Ocean Technology – An Integrated Multi-Objective Model

According to UEH’s proposal, the National Research Center for Ocean Technology will be a state-level science and technology institution located in Khanh Hoa Province—a hub of Vietnam’s marine science, defense, and logistics. Its mission is to research, test, transfer, and incubate advanced ocean technologies, thereby contributing to the creation of an innovation ecosystem in the marine sector.

The Center will prioritize research and development in seven key technology domains:

Marine robotics and autonomous underwater vehicles;
Ocean monitoring and observation systems;
Ocean data management, modelling, and analysis;
Marine renewable energy technologies;
Marine biotechnology;
Conservation and sustainable use of blue marine resources;
Advanced marine policy and governance models.

Institutional Innovation – Catalyzing a Marine Technology Ecosystem

Beyond its role as a specialized research facility, the model proposed by UEH envisions the Center as a fully integrated science–technology ecosystem—a testing ground for innovative policies and governance frameworks, capable of attracting global talent, strategic investors, and marine technology startups.

The Center will act as an “institutional launchpad” for:

Blue startups in the marine sector;
Public–private cooperation programs in ocean technology;
Interdisciplinary education and training in marine technology and governance;
Development of environmentally responsible marine economic value chains.

The long-term vision is to position the National Research Center for Ocean Technology as an internationally recognized marine technology platform—demonstrating Vietnam’s leadership in applying science and technology to its blue economy strategy. The proposal aims not only to serve sustainable development goals, but also to strengthen national security and defense, enhance global competitiveness, and advance regional integration in the era of digital transformation and the green economy.

Project Team:
Dr. Trinh Tu Anh, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Thuy Anh, Dr. Bui Quang Hung, Lawyer Thai Thi Huynh Mai, MSc. Pham Nguyen Hoai, MSc. Do Le Phuc Tam, MSc. Trinh Quang Tu, MSc. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, Le Phan Truong An – University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City.

This article is part of UEH’s series Research Contribution For All – Research for the Community, inviting readers to follow upcoming issues of UEH Research Insights.

Content and images: Authors, UEH Communications & Partnership Development Department