UNDP Viet Nam Accelerator Lab

At the UNDP Viet Nam Accelerator Lab, we are on a mission to tackle the most pressing sustainability challenges in Vietnam by harnessing the power of social innovation and systemic design. As part of the United Nations Development Programme's global network of Accelerator Labs, we are at the forefront of reimagining development - making it more agile, inclusive, and future-proof.

Our approach is grounded in the belief that sustainable development requires a fundamental shift in how we think, act, and collaborate. We work at the intersection of government, private sector, and civil society, facilitating multi-stakeholder collaboration and leveraging local insights and global best practices to co-create solutions that leave no one behind.

What We Do

Circular Economy Pioneers

We're not just talking about recycling; we're reimagining entire systems. From behavioral experiments that inspire responsible waste management in Da Nang to illuminating the lives of informal waste workers through ethnographic studies and the use of satellite imageries, we're creating a blueprint for a circular future. We support the circular transition by being the bridge between the dominant system and the emergent system, we have advised Danang and Hue municipal government with developing Vietnam’s first Circular Economy Roadmap, to developing a Circular Economy Hub in Danang and nationally to incubate local circular solutions.

Public Sector Innovation Instigators

We equip Vietnam's public sector with the tools and frameworks needed to embrace innovation. Working alongside leading government agencies such as National Innovation Center, National Agency for Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Development, we're fostering a culture of creativity and driving sustainable policies in areas like green mobility and digital public services. Stay tuned for the Public Sector Innovation Playbook in 2024, a game-changer for citizen-centric and forward-thinking public servants.

Learn more about our work in Public Sector Innovation here.

Private Sector Innovation

We believe in the power of responsible businesses to drive sustainable development.  Our lab supports the private sector in adopting innovative practices that contribute to sustainable development. We facilitate platforms and training programs that enable social impact businesses to further integrate sustainable practices into their operations. Our efforts are geared towards creating a robust ecosystem where businesses can thrive while contributing to the nation's economic and SDG goals.

Youth Voice Inclusion

Investing in Vietnam's youth means investing in its future. We're actively researching and developing innovative models that prepare young people for the opportunities and challenges of the evolving world of work. Through internal advocacy, we expanded the office focus to include programmatic synergy with an emphasis on the integration of youth projects within UNDP in Viet Nam, i.e youth portfolio, particularly on themes like the future of work. This involves preparing the youth for upcoming challenges and opportunities through targeted research and innovative models.

Explorers of the Frontier

From AI-powered public governance to tackling air quality challenges, we're constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation, exploring emerging technologies and strategies that can propel Vietnam towards sustainability.