In order for the regional university model in general and the University of Danang (UD) in particular to maximize its potential, strong support from the Government and the Ministry of Education and Training is needed through specific policies. First of all, it is necessary to give stronger autonomy to regional universities in all aspects of their activities.

In 1994, when the country entered the renovation period, our country's education policy makers made a strategic decision: to establish regional universities. This was not only a bold step in reforming higher education but also demonstrated a far-sighted vision of developing high-quality human resources to serve the country's industrialization and modernization. 

Regional university model aimed to concentrate resources, create large training and research centers in key economic regions, thereby contributing to the even development of higher education among regions.

After more than 30 years of construction and development, regional university model has proven its superiority and suitability to the practical conditions of Vietnam. With a streamlined management system, regional universities such as UD have built outstanding strengths compared to the single university model.

Prof. Dr. Sci. Bui Van Ga

Taking UD as a typical example, the achievements over the past three decades have affirmed the key role of the regional university model. UD has been playing a key role in training high-quality human resources for the Central Highlands region, a region with great economic development potential. Every year, tens of thousands of students graduating from UD have become the core force in large agencies, enterprises and corporations, contributing to shaping and developing the key economic sectors of the region.

UD is also an important center for scientific research and international cooperation in the central region, with many valuable applied research topics and many scientific works published in prestigious international journals. The role of consulting, policy review and supporting local development of UD is also highly appreciated by the authorities at all levels, especially in areas such as developing the semiconductor industry, financial technology, building a Regional Financial Center and a Free Trade Zone in Da Nang City.

One of the most obvious successes of the regional university model is the strong development of member universities. Thanks to the benefits of the common ecosystem, member universities of UD have continuously grown in both scale and quality. The teaching staff is well-trained, the proportion of lecturers with doctoral degrees is increasing rapidly, typically University of Science and Technology - UD has a proportion of lecturers with doctoral degrees of over 77%, the highest in the country; or University of Science and Education - UD, the proportion of doctoral degrees is increasing rapidly, reaching nearly 67%, twice as high as the national average of about 32%. 

The training program is updated quickly and flexibly according to the needs of the labor market, well meeting the requirements of the economy in the period of digital transformation and international integration. Member universities are also actively expanding international cooperation, attracting foreign students, enhancing their position and prestige in the international arena.

In the current context, when Resolution 71 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in education and training development requires streamlining the university education system, the regional university model once again proves its suitability and effectiveness. UD currently has seven member universities, but is only a single focal point in internal and external relations. This means that instead of the Ministry of Education and Training having to directly manage seven individual universities, the Ministry only needs to work with one focal point - UD. 

Without the regional university model, the number of universities under the Ministry will increase significantly, causing difficulties in management and operation and not in line with the spirit of streamlining the apparatus that the Party and State are determined to implement.

The benefits of the regional university model are not limited to training but are also evident in scientific research. Interdisciplinary research topics, requiring the combination of many experts from different fields, will be implemented more effectively when member universities are under the same regional university roof. This not only helps to increase international publications, increase the number of scientific citations but also enhance the prestige and improve the rankings of Vietnamese universities on world rankings. France's experience in reforming higher education is a convincing proof of this trend.

Previously, the French higher education system consisted of many specialized universities, universities specializing in a specific field. However, after realizing the limitations of this model in the context of globalization and international competition, France carried out strong reforms, reorganizing into large universities by merging universities and colleges in the same region. As a result, French universities have significantly improved their position and competitiveness in the international arena.

With the achievements and great potential, UD can completely develop to become a model university for the Vietnamese higher education system. Conclusion No. 45 of the Working Group of the Central Steering Committee on Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation selected UD as one of the four universities receiving key investment. This is a strategic step, following the historic decision to establish UD in 1994.

In order for the regional university model in general and UD in particular to maximize its potential, strong support from the Government and the Ministry of Education and Training is needed through specific policies.

First of all, it is necessary to give stronger autonomy to regional universities in all aspects of operation, from organizational structure, personnel recruitment, opening new training majors, to financial management and international cooperation. Autonomy is the key for universities to flexibly adapt to the rapid changes in the labor market and trends in science and technology development.

Second, in the context of no longer having a University Council in higher education institutions, it is necessary to assign the regional university leadership collective to carry out the tasks of the University Council, ensuring continuity in governance and strategic development.

In the new era, when the country is determined to become a developed country with high income by 2045, the role of higher education, especially regional universities, becomes more important than ever. Implementing Conclusion No. 45 of the Central Steering Committee's Working Group on Science, Technology and Innovation Development is a strategic step, contributing to building a strong national higher education system, balanced between regions, and competitive enough with leading universities in the region and the world.

Prof. Dr. Sci. Bui Van Ga