ENTREPRENEURIAL CULTURE – A KEY DRIVER IN BUILDING AN INNOVATION-DRIVEN CITY

Entrepreneurial culture is a fundamental pillar of a startup ecosystem, nurturing passion, ambition, and long-term sustainability. It creates distinctive characteristics that differentiate startup ecosystems, contributing to their diversity, vibrancy, and resilience in the new era.

The Driving Force of Aspiration and Advancement

Strategists observe that the world is entering the BANI era—Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, and Incomprehensible—a framework that reflects the instability, anxiety, unpredictable consequences, and complexity of our time. In such an era, culture serves as both a foundation and a driving force for development. It fosters an innovative mindset, entrepreneurial ambition, and the courage to take risks, encouraging individuals to move beyond their comfort zones, pursue new ideas, and transform entrepreneurship into a way of life embraced by society as a whole.

Politburo Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW (2026) positions culture as an important “endogenous resource” and a “pillar of the economy,” paving the way for the development of an entrepreneurial culture through the promotion of cultural industries, digital transformation, and the creation of creative spaces. In essence, this means establishing an open environment that nurtures innovation and creativity in the spirit of “entrepreneurship for all.” The Resolution sets out a strategic direction for developing cultural industries and cultural markets, with the goal of gradually building and expanding cultural industry sectors. This orientation is closely linked to innovation, as cultural products are increasingly integrated with technology and new business models, particularly in the fields of digital content, entertainment, and media.

The National Strategy for Innovative Entrepreneurship clearly states that an innovative entrepreneurial nation is one in which every citizen possesses the aspiration and opportunity to start a business creatively in any field, based on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. It is a nation where a culture of innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, bold thinking, proactive action, risk-taking, and tolerance for failure is strongly cultivated and widely embraced throughout society. The strategy seeks to unleash the creativity and intellect of the entire population, unlock untapped potential, mobilize all available resources, and drive national development.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Hoang Minh emphasizes that entrepreneurship—especially technology-based entrepreneurship—inevitably involves significant risks. Therefore, society must cultivate a culture that understands, accepts, and tolerates failure as an essential part of the entrepreneurial journey. Echoing this perspective, Dam Quang Thang advises the startup community that passion, commitment, and the continuous nurturing of entrepreneurial aspirations are decisive factors in helping ideas and startups evolve and achieve their ultimate goals. He cautions entrepreneurs against the mentality of constantly changing direction in response to outside opinions. At the same time, he stresses that this does not mean ignoring the guidance of mentors and advisors. Often, a single piece of valuable advice can change the course of one’s life. Such wisdom is invaluable—it helps reduce fear, strengthens self-belief, and empowers entrepreneurs to overcome their limitations, sometimes leading to remarkable achievements and lasting success.

The Press and the Entrepreneurial Culture of an Innovative City

The media has played a crucial role in elevating the image of Vietnam’s startup ecosystem, helping it rise to the top ranks in the region and become a nation widely recognized for its spirit of innovation throughout Phase I (2018–2025). Entering a new era, the Government’s National Strategy for Innovative Entrepreneurship clearly identifies journalism and communications as essential “soft infrastructure” and a pioneering force that accompanies, promotes, and accelerates the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Da Nang has set ambitious goals: to become a hub of innovation, rank among the world’s top 300 startup cities, emerge as the cultural industry center of Central Vietnam, and establish a synchronized policy framework capable of nurturing unicorn startups. These aspirations present both an opportunity and a mission for Da Nang’s media sector.

Looking back at the success of the Da Nang startup ecosystem (including Quang Nam Province), terms such as “The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Quang Land” and “An Open Land for Innovative Entrepreneurship” have consistently ranked among the most searched and recognized startup-related phrases associated with the region. Few localities in Vietnam, from the very beginning of their startup ecosystem development journey, placed such strong emphasis on the role of the media. As early as 2017, Da Nang’s Startup Ecosystem Development Plan explicitly recognized the importance of news agencies, digital media, and social networks in promoting and spreading the spirit and aspirations of entrepreneurship.

Today, most media organizations in the city maintain dedicated startup sections or programs. Numerous television talk shows, panel discussions, documentaries, feature reports, and thematic programs on entrepreneurship have been developed, helping position Da Nang as a bright spot on Vietnam’s and the region’s startup map.

According to Ken Bay, an international startup speaker from Singapore, “Da Nang’s startup communications are insightful and highly influential. The world’s leading startup ecosystems all demonstrate a similar level of media engagement and support.” This recognition highlights the vital role that journalism and media continue to play in fostering innovation, nurturing entrepreneurial culture, and shaping Da Nang’s vision as a leading innovation-driven city.

Panel Discussion: “Market Access for Startups” on VTV8

In implementing the National Strategy for Innovative Entrepreneurship, Da Nang’s media organizations and journalists have actively joined the effort to build and promote an entrepreneurial culture while raising public awareness. Through their work, they nurture the entrepreneurial spirit, inspire innovative thinking across society, and help transform entrepreneurship into a positive and mainstream movement that contributes to the development of a knowledge-based and smart economy.

The media has established specialized sections and programs focusing on science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship across various platforms, including print, television, radio, and digital media. It has also organized forums and conferences to enhance the role and mission of journalism in fostering entrepreneurial culture, while connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen and improve the quality of the startup ecosystem. Furthermore, the publication of books, reports, and other materials on entrepreneurial culture contributes to building a solid foundation for future generations of innovators and entrepreneurs.

Drawing upon their professional expertise and extensive communication experience, journalists increasingly serve as communication mentors for startup ideas and projects. They help create visibility and credibility for startups, enabling them to establish a distinctive presence within the community and marketplace. In this regard, the media acts as a trusted endorsement platform that supports startups in attracting investment, finding strategic partners, and enhancing their reputation. The art of startup storytelling, combined with the quality of entrepreneurial projects and the founders’ aspirations to succeed, provides both inspiration and essential building blocks for developing a vibrant entrepreneurial culture. The story of a successful startup carries a powerful message, becoming a source of inspiration and ambition for the wider community.