As for purpose to assess capacities to meet this role of higher education in Vietnam, this paper provides an analysis of the roles of universities in strengthening fundamental research of our country. | JSTPM Vol 5, No 1, 2016 27 VIETNAM UNIVERSITIES: STRENGTHENING RESEARCH AND INNOVATION PhD. Student Nguyen Thi Phuong National Foundation for Science and Technology Development Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy Ministry of Education and Training Abstract: In the actual context of the world’s economy, the explosion of inter-discipline sectors as well as the essential diversity of higher education show more the important role of fundamental research to development of science, technology and innovation (STI) as a move to build the knowledge based economy for every nation. As for purpose to assess capacities to meet this role of higher education in Vietnam, this paper provides an analysis of the roles of universities in strengthening fundamental research of our country. Keywords: Scientific research; Higher education. Code: 16031602 1. Introduction on higher education in Vietnam Up to the end of 1980s, the higher education system of Vietnam was designed in the way to follow the Soviet model. According to this model, the system of research institutes remains separated from research activities conducted in universities and colleges. By 1985, the VI-th Party Congress decided to shift from centrally controlled economy to market driven economy on basis of the “Doi Moi” policy. With this “Doi Moi” policy, the higher education system of Vietnam gained an important turn to shift from the Soviet model which is the training to meet State driven orders to the new model which is the training to meet demands of a multi-sectorial economy. In this new approach, higher education institutions of Vietnam get more diversified and gain better developments. According to Law on Higher Education promulgated by 2012, higher education institutions are divided into 4 types, namely: (i) Colleges; (ii) Universities and academies; (iii) National and regional universities; and (iv) Research institutes providing the doctor grade training. 28 Vietnam universities: Strengthening research and .
