The development of technology centers, not just concentrated in major cities, is becoming a direction promoted by South Korea to expand the space for innovation. The experience of Daegu offers insights for Vietnam on how to develop a technology startup ecosystem in local areas.
In late October 2026, the city of Daegu in South Korea became a meeting point for the international technology community as the Future Innovation Technology Exhibition (FIX 2026) concluded after four days. The event attracted 588 companies, approximately 2,000 booths, and over 117,000 visitors, showcasing new technologies in artificial intelligence ( AI ), robotics, next-generation mobility, and smart industry.
According to South Korean media, besides the technology showcases by large corporations, a notable highlight of the exhibition was the presence of local startups. The Daegu Innovation and Creative Economy Center presented 14 selected businesses within the framework of the “Startup City” program implemented by the South Korean Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises. These businesses had the opportunity to showcase their products, meet international investors and partners, and seek potential customers. According to the organizers, networking activities at FIX 2026 recorded approximately US$353 million in export consulting services and 32 billion won in procurement consulting services with domestic corporations.
The figures above show that the exhibition is not only a place to showcase technological achievements but also serves as a market connection channel for businesses. For startups in their early stages, the opportunity to access customers, investors, and manufacturing partners is just as important as receiving research funding.
In fact, efforts to develop a technology startup ecosystem in Daegu have been part of a broader strategy. In May 2026, the South Korean Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises announced the “Startup City” development program, aiming to place at least five of the country’s cities among the top 100 startup ecosystems globally by 2030. The program focuses on four locations: Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, and Ulsan – all of which possess major science and technology institutions, along with their own industrial and research foundations.
South Korea does not apply a single model to all regions. Daegu focuses on developing advanced technologies in robotics, mobility, biomedicine, AI, and software, building upon the foundation of the Daegu Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST). Daejeon leverages the strengths of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and its network of state-run research institutes to develop startups in aerospace, defense, AI, robotics, and biotechnology. Gwangju concentrates on future mobility, energy, semiconductors, and AI, while Ulsan utilizes its automotive, shipbuilding, and petrochemical industries to develop smart manufacturing technology.
According to the South Korean Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, each locality receives support in human resource development, technology commercialization, investment connectivity, and infrastructure development. Science and technology institutes play a central role, connecting with universities, research centers, businesses, and investment organizations. The goal is to create a cycle in which human resources are trained locally, technology companies are established and expanded locally, and then reinvest in the local ecosystem.
This approach stems from the fact that South Korea’s startup ecosystem has long been concentrated primarily in the Seoul metropolitan area. This concentration of investment capital, high-quality human resources, research facilities, and business networks makes it more difficult for startups in other regions to access these resources. Therefore, instead of simply encouraging businesses to leave Seoul for other cities, the South Korean government aims to create conditions that allow businesses to form, develop, and find business opportunities right in their local areas.
Startups need more than just capital; they also need to be connected to the market.
One of the key features of the Startup City program is its phased support mechanism for businesses. In Daegu, in 2026, the city selected 74 businesses to participate in the program. Startups receive financial support for product development, technology improvement, talent acquisition, investment connections, and market expansion. The maximum support is up to 400 million won for businesses in the emerging technology sector and 250 million won for manufacturing and technology businesses in general.
Businesses relocating to Daegu from other regions can also receive rent subsidies for up to six months, along with connections to universities, research institutes, and startup support organizations in the city. This approach demonstrates that the policy is not only focused on establishing new businesses but also on attracting and retaining promising ones.
However, individual resources like capital or infrastructure alone are not enough to create a startup ecosystem. A startup may possess excellent technology but struggle to grow without finding customers, businesses willing to test its product, or investors to support it during the commercialization phase.
Vietnam needs ecosystems that are linked to the advantages of each locality.
In Vietnam, the need to develop a local innovation ecosystem is emerging alongside the implementation of Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in national science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation . In this context, bringing research, technology application, and entrepreneurship closer to businesses and people in localities is crucial, especially given the differing needs and development advantages across regions.
A recent development is the inauguration of Nghe An Province’s Innovation Center on October 20, 2026, at Vinh University, within the framework of the Techfest Nghe An Open 2026. The center is envisioned as a hub connecting management agencies, universities, research institutes, businesses, experts, and investors; supporting early-stage projects in accessing technology, capital, and market opportunities.
At the event, Vice Chairman of the Nghe An Provincial People’s Committee Thai Van Thanh emphasized that science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation are important drivers for improving productivity, enhancing the quality of growth, and creating new economic value. He also requested that the center’s effectiveness be evaluated based on concrete results, such as the number of projects supported, technology transferred, startups formed, investment capital attracted, and products commercialized.
From the Daegu experience, Vietnam can draw three conclusions: each locality needs to choose technology sectors based on its own advantages; shift from supporting individual startups to partnering with businesses from research and testing to product commercialization; and strengthen connections with universities, businesses, investment funds, and domestic and international markets.
Resolution 57 sets out the requirement to make science, technology, and innovation the driving force for development. To realize that goal, localities do not necessarily need to become major technology centers, but need to create an environment where ideas can develop into products, research results can go into production, and technology businesses have the opportunity to grow right where they are established.
Thu Hang/News and Ethnic Groups Newspaper
Original article
https://baotintuc.vn/dua-startup-cong-nghe-ve-dia-phuong-kinh-nghiem-tu-han-quoc-post1398981.html
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