Viet Nam : Support to Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences

Public sector management / Public administration

a. Link to Country Partnership Strategy/Regional Cooperation Strategy:

The Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for Viet Nam 2012-2015 aligns with the Government's SEDP 2011-2015, which states that poverty reduction and inclusive economic growth are the primary development goal of the country. These goals are expected to be achieved through three key engines, including (i) human resource development, (ii) reform of economic institutions, and (iii) infrastructure development. In the area of human resource development, SEDP emphases the importance of strengthening the academic capacity of research institutes and universities. VASS has been contributing to development, monitoring and achievement of SEDPs and the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) requested ADB's support to VASS in 2014. The proposed KSTA is included in the Country Operations Business Plan (COBP) Viet Nam 2015-2017 as a 2015 program.

Among the development partners (DPs) active in Viet Nam, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has provided some technical assistance to the VASS through issuing Viet Nam Human Development Reports. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently organized several technical workshops for VASS researchers which aimed at introducing the project and program management (P2M) method. CDTA will provide the P2M method training to the VASS researchers who participated in the JICA's P2M training, which will further focus on how the P2M method can improve the management of VASS' academic research and programs. The KSTA will help strengthen the institutional capacity of VASS which will directly contribute to the quality improvement of the country's development plan and strategies.

b. Impact and Outcome. The quality of knowledge solutions of VASS improved. The TA will be aligned with Viet Nam's national development plan more inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with UN's agreement on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs.

c. Outputs

Output 1: Research capacity strengthened. The TA will strengthen VASS' research capacity through: (i) establishment of VASS' internal system for research planning and quality control; and (ii) implementation of actual research projects with international standard. The TA will develop new research guidelines and provide training to VASS management and researchers to enhance relevant skills. With a new research management system and support from international researchers, VASS will conduct three research projects, which will directly link to SDGs and serve as basis of ADB's future support to the country. The research projects will produce studies on (i) renewable energy, (ii) sustainable human resource development, and (iii) global value chains in the agriculture sector. The TA has complimentary support from other development partners active in SDG achievement including World Bank, UN agencies and some bilateral donors.

Output 2: Knowledge services improved. The TA will help strengthen VASS' knowledge management and capacity in policy advocacy through (i) development of a new knowledge management and dissemination plan, (ii) development of a knowledge management system using IT solutions, and (iii) support to preparation of quality policy briefs for the SEDP 2021-2025 which will be more aligned with SDGs. The new knowledge management plan and knowledge system will increase the use of knowledge products of VASS. The system will help ensure sustainability of TA support and continue to contribute to monitoring of SDG progress beyond the TA implementation period. VASS' knowledge activities including organizing knowledge dissemination workshops and policy dialogues with international knowledge agencies and DPs on SDGs and the new SEDP will be supported. VASS' increased policy advocacy will help ADB knowledge services to be more influential to the country's key policies as proposed by the CKP.

1. VASS' research capacity strengthened

2. Knowledge services improved

Output 1: Research Capacity strengthened:

1.1 Research Manual (RM) for Research Planning and Quality Control: Two RMs have been developed. Volume 1 was finalized and submitted to PMU and ADB on 7 July 2019. Volume 2 was submitted to PMU and ADB on 11 September 2019. There will be a workshop organized for an in-depth examination of the two volumes of Research Manual. Timing is uncertain due to new Corona virus outbreak. The Consulting firm is preparing for the workshop in consultation with PMU.

1.2. Three Research Products at International Standard:

The three model research papers have been completed by VASS research teams with guidance from advisors recruited under the TA.

Output 2: Knowledge services improved:

2.1 New Knowledge Management and Dissemination Plan:

On 18 October 2019, a workshop on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for VASS was held at VASS, Ha Noi. A total of 109 people participated, including representatives of ADB, VASS, RIs and the Consultant Team. This Workshop aimed to present the draft KPIs for VASS and solicit comments and suggestions on the draft KPIs. Revised KPIs are now under testing, finalization and application in VASS. The final draft Knowledge Management and Dissemination Plan has been submitted.

2.2 Knowledge Management Database

The International Knowledge Database Development Specialist (KDDS) with the National KDDS continuously worked to revise "ICT Plan: Support of Knowledge Management in VASS".