Germany-France Study Trip 2024: Connecting for Energy Technology Innovation

Roundtable Meeting titled “Supporting ecosystem for innovation in small and medium enterprises – An exchange between Germany and Viet Nam” hosted at the Vietnamese Embassy in Berlin. Photo credit: GIZ ESP

Roundtable Meeting titled “Supporting ecosystem for innovation inFrom October 19 to 26, 2024, a delegation from Viet Nam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, led by Deputy Minister Hoang Minh, along with representatives from the Clean, Affordable, and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia (CASE) project of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), engaged in in-depth discussions with partners in Germany and France on energy technology innovation. small and medium enterprises – An exchange between Germany and Viet Nam” hosted at the Vietnamese Embassy in Berlin

Specifically, the delegation met with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany (BMWK), the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM), and the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce Abroad (AHK) to discuss policies on innovation and technology transfer in Germany, as well as federal financial and technical support for small and medium enterprises conducting research, development, and commercialization of new technologies.

*Getriebetechnick Magdeburg GmbH introduces their manufacturing line of equipment for industries and renewable* energy. *Photo credit: GIZ ESP*

In addition, the delegation visited and exchanged ideas with manufacturing companies directly involved in the renewable energy supply chain in Germany, including Siemens Energy, Whitecell Eisenhuth GmbH & Co. KG, GEO Gesellschaft für Energie und Ökologie GmbH, and Getriebetechnik Magdeburg GmbH. These exchanges provided the delegation with updated information on advanced technologies and innovative models, such as hydrogen, electrolysis technology, and wind turbine engines.

Furthermore, working sessions with research institutes like Agora in Germany and the network of Institute for Research and Technology in France offered insights into global trends and policies regarding research and development in renewable energy technology and carbon reduction in industrial processes.

*The delegation at the Siemens Energy, exploring electrolyzer manufacturing plant and the Innovation Centre. Photo credit: GIZ ESP*

Deputy Minister Hoang Minh remarked that the study tour to Germany and France provided valuable lessons and practical experiences in state management in science and technology as well as promoting innovation for the energy transition. He was impressed by the advanced development and sustainability of the renewable energy systems in European countries, particularly the creative technology solutions, effective policy support mechanisms, and the close collaboration among government, businesses, and the community.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that the experiences gained from this tour, along with the network of government agencies, businesses, and research institutes, will serve as a critical foundation for the Ministry’s upcoming strategies and initiatives.

This study trip was organised by GIZ, via the CASE project in collaboration with the State Agency for Technology Innovation (SATI) under the Viet Nam’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST). The trip is expected to guide the development of technology, innovation, and international cooperation in Viet Nam’s energy transition process.