Expanding international cooperation in occupational safety and health: Development orientation of Vietnam National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health in the digital era
1. Background
In recent years, Vietnam has promoted international integration in the field of occupational safety and health (OSH) through approaching and applying international standards and conventions; promoting the development of a safety culture in the workplace; and at the same time improving the quality of science and technology services in the field of OSH. This is also one of the important conditions that helps Vietnam effectively implement international commitments and new-generation free trade agreements, aiming for sustainable socio-economic development.
In the context of digital transformation, innovation, and in-depth international integration, international cooperation is not only a channel for exchanging experiences but also becomes an important driver to enhance research capacity, access advanced technology, and expand professional networks in OSH field.
In the 2021–2025 period, the international cooperation activities of the Vietnam National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (VNNIOSH) have seen many positive changes. The institute actively participated in international conferences, seminars organized by ILO, APOSHO, and ICOH; at the same time, maintaining cooperative relationships with many traditional partners, especially the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA). Programs for expert exchanges, joint research, invitational training, and technical support have contributed to improving professional capacity, strengthening international connections, and gradually affirming the role of the institute in the regional OSH network.
The achievements in the past period serve as an important foundation for VNNIOSH to continue expanding international cooperation toward substantive, in-depth collaboration tied to development requirements in the new era.
2. Advantages and Challenges
The introduction of new policies on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation recently has created a favorable legal framework for international cooperation activities. New mechanisms allow research organizations to be more proactive in building partnerships, participating in joint research projects, adopting advanced technologies, and improving the quality of human resources.
For VNNIOSH, this is an opportunity to expand the cooperation network, access new scientific achievements, and strengthen presence in international professional forums. The development of digital technology also facilitates academic exchange, training, and cross-border research activities at more reasonable costs than before.
However, the new context also poses many challenges. The rapid in technology changes, the emergence of new occupational risks, and the increasingly demands for research standards require international cooperation activities to have clearer direction and greater depth. In addition, the funding allocated for international cooperation is still limited, while the requirements for foreign language proficiency, research skills, project management, and the ability to work in an international environment for the staff are increasingly high.
To effectively take advantage of opportunities and overcome challenges, developing a long term international cooperation strategy that aligns with the institute’s development orientation is considered an urgent requirement in the coming period.
3. International cooperation goals for the period 2026–2030
In the 2026–2030 period, VNNIOSH identifies international cooperation as one of the key drivers to enhance research capacity, innovation, and international integration in the field of OSH.
Firstly, the institute aims to expand and improve the quality of international partner network based on equality, mutual benefit, and alignment with each party’s professional strengths. Alongside consolidating relationships with traditional partners, the institute will proactively seek new partners with potential for cooperation in research, training, and technology transfer.
In addition, VNNIOSH will enhance proactivity, effectiveness, and the depth of cooperation. Shifting from a cooperation model primarily focused on experience acquisition to collaboration in joint research, joint development, and sharing results. Priority areas include occupational health, prevention of emerging risks, intelligent workplace environmental monitoring, and the application of digital technology and artificial intelligence in OSH management.
Another important objective is to enhance the adoption, mastery, and localization of advanced technologies through international cooperation programs, effectively serving scientific research, policy advisory, and business support activities.
At the same time, the institute continues to elevate its scientific standing through international publications, academic exchanges,
and participation in reputable professional networks in the region and the world.
4. Some solutions and key tasks
To achieve the above goals, some key task groups for the upcoming period have been identified as follows:
VNNIOSH will continue to strengthen connections and participate effectively in international organizations and networks on OSH such as APOSHO, ASEAN-OSHNET, ISSA, and related professional forums. Maintaining and expanding cooperative relationships will facilitate academic exchanges, experience sharing, and implementation of intensive collaborative programs.
The institute will also promote research cooperation and technology transfer with reputable international organizations. The focus
will be on developing joint research topics and projects in areas such as occupational health, emerging occupational risks, smart workplace environmental monitoring, applications of big data and artificial intelligence in OSH management. The cooperation process not only aims at technology acquisition but also gradually mastering, localizing, and effectively applying the technology to the practical conditions of Vietnam.
In addition, the institute will gradually invest in upgrading facilities, laboratories, and research infrastructure in a modern direction, creating a foundation for in-depth collaborative research activities and meeting international standards.
Another important task is to improve the quality of human resources serving international cooperation. The institute will focus on training staff in professional skills, foreign languages, research skills, project management, and the ability to work in an international environment, meeting the requirements of increasingly deep and wide integration.
5. Conclusion
In the context of digital transformation and increasingly strong international integration, expanding international cooperation in the field of OSH is not only an inevitable trend but also an important requirement to enhance research capacity, access advanced technology, and promote innovation.
With a proactive, substantive, and in-depth cooperation orientation, VNNIOSH aims to build an open network of partners, promote joint research, enhance technology transfer, and improve the quality of human resources. This will be an important foundation for the institute to continue affirming its scientific position in the field of OSH and make positive contributions to protecting workers’ health and safety and the sustainable development of the country.
