Special issue of Innovation and Development September 2021, Asia-Pacific Economic Review

Truong Thi Nam Thang, Tran Thi Ngoc Ha

Special issue of innovation and development September 2021, page 3 

Abstract: Universities, especially private ones, are in need of strong corporate strategies in order to be successful in the highly competitive education industry. In this respect, University Social Responsibility (USR) has become one of the highly preferred strategies by higher education institutions for gaining a good reputation and a competitive advantage in the world. However this concept is still limited in Vietnam. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of USR activity at an international university in Vietnam, whether USR is able to create competitive advantage for higher education institutions. By applying qualitative methods with case study review and in-depth interviews to 17 key stakeholders of the University, the impact of USR activity is assessed through three dimensions: justification of USR, competitive context and value creation. The major finding of the study is that if an institution is able to gain competitive advantage from USR strategy, then USR actions have to be embedded in its core function and daily operation, and the perspectives of primary stakeholders should be taken into account.

Keywords: University Social Responsibility (USR), competitive advantage, community engagement.

2. Changes in implementing social responsibility during Covid-19 pandemic

Nguyen Hong Hanh

Special issue of innovation and development September 2021, page 14 

Abstract: The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the societal environment dramatically. Under new conditions, corporate socially responsible policies and decisions, especially those of large corporations, need to change. Employing theory of stakeholders, this article analyses the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on corporate stakeholders including employees, small and medium suppliers and customers. Therefrom, suggestions on new points to be integrated into large enterprises’ CSR policy and initiatives, especially those of Vietnamese large companies, in order to fit in the new setting are made.

Keywords: Covid 19, large corporations, social responsibility 

3. Flood drivers as main challenges in the context of sustainable development: A case study in Vietnam

Nguyen Tan Hung

Special issue of innovation and development September 2021, page 23 

Abstract: Flood-prone areas have existed and considered a barrier to reaching sustainable development goals in many countries. Exposed to the ongoing expansion of disturbing development, it is necessary to identify flood-related sources as flood drivers in flood- prone areas to find new approaches from a public-sector perspective that trying to manage imminent flood risk. Nevertheless, studies on challenges and barriers relevant to the implementation of flood risk management approaches for flood-prone areas are scarce. For responding to the gap, the objective of this research is to support deeper and more detailed analysis of the most important driving factors of floods through the examination of flood drivers in Can Tho city which is located in the Mekong River basin. The research was conducted by examining the secondary data based on many sources as well as development plans. Findings show that flood drivers, as continuous processes or trends that contributed to the flood-vulnerability status in an area, possibly increasing flood risk and forming new flood-prone areas including climate change and urban development groups of drivers. The drivers are accelerated as long- term processes; therefore, these issues demand adequate approaches to handle changes that are associated with climate change and human-made contexts.

Keywords: Flood driver – Flood risk management – Sustainable development

4. Vietnam retailers with sustainable development goal: challenges and solutions

Pham Trung Tien

Special issue of innovation and development September 2021, page 37 

Abstract: Green growth is a term to describe growth models and policies that fostering economic growth and development while ensuring that natural assets continue to provide the resources and environmental services on which our well-being relies. Green growth policies contribute to not only economic growth but also bring environmental benefits, and increase resilence to natural disasters. Green growth should not be recognised as a replacement, but a practical and flexible approach for achieving sustainable development. In implementing the National Green Growth Strategy 2012-2020, Vietnamese enterprises have been facing with many obstacles and disadvantages. In this paper, these obstacles are analysed and some practical recommendations are suggested for Vietnamese retailers

.Keywords: Green growth, sustainable development, Vietnamese retailers.

5. Dynamic capability’s ingredients: An empirical study of Vietnamese retail enterprises

Nguyen Phuong Linh

Special issue of innovation and development September 2021, page 46 

Abstract: This study aims to identify the dynamic capability’s ingredients which are knowledge application capability, service innovation capability, and multi-channel integration capability, and explore their impact on the dynamic capability of Vietnamese retail enterprises. The data is collected from a survey of 201 Vietnamese retail enterprises. Structural Equation Modeling by PLS-SEM is applied. The research results indicate that knowledge application capability, service innovation capability, and multi- channel integration capability positively and significantly impact the dynamic capability. In that, multi-channel integration capability has the strongest impact. Based on the findings, the study suggests that Vietnamese retail enterprises should improve their dynamic capability. In that, Vietnamese retail enterprises should focus on (1)- Enhancing multi-channel integration capability by coordinating & integrating both physical and online retail channels, (2)- Strengthening knowledge application capability through learning & acquiring the external knowledge or competitors’ experiences, and (3)- Improving innovation capability through speeding up R&D to provide new retail services.

Keywords: Vietnamese retail enterprises; knowledge application capability; service innovation capability; multi-channel capability; dynamic capability.

6. Analysis of innovation activities of certain social enterprises in the world

Nguyen Thi Thu Trang

Special issue of innovation and development September 2021, page 61 

Abstract: Social enterprises are businesses those deal with social and environmental problems in more effective ways than traditional models. However, to deal with more complex problems, social enterprises need to constantly innovate. This article first explores the concepts of innovation, social enterprise and the innovation progress of social enterprises. Then, the author focuses on analyzing some exemplary innovative social enterprises in the world to point out certain lessons learned for social enterprises in Vietnam.

Keywords: social enterprises, innovation, lesson.

7. Policy on supporting youth entrepreneurship in Bac Giang province

Nguyen Thi Thu Trang

Special issue of innovation and development September 2021, page 70 

Abstract: The article studies a number of theoretical and practical issues of policies to support the youth starting a business in Bac Giang province. On the basis of clarifying a number of concepts and contents related to youth entrepreneurship, youth entrepreneurship support policies in a province, the article studied the current situation of youth entrepreneurship support policies in Bac Giang Province. The policies studied include: Policy on education, knowledge training, entrepreneurial skills for young people; Policy on providing market information, legal support, investment promotion, human resource development; Policy on capital support and favorable credit for young people to start a business. To achieve the research objectives, the paper uses qualitative research methods based on both primary and secondary data sources.

Keywords: Bac Giang province, Policy, Youth entrepreneurship