Vietnamese-French Collaboration Focuses on Navigating Digital Change in Social Sciences & Education
Hanoi, Vietnam – November 27, 2025 – A recent conference underscored the strengthening collaboration between Vietnamese and French institutions as both nations grapple wiht the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation in the social sciences, humanities, and education. The event, recognized as an ”innovation-certified” gathering, served as a culmination of cooperative efforts initiated in May 2025, aimed at sharing expertise and fostering an institutional approach to innovative issues.
The partnership between the Hanoi Normal School and its Parisian counterparts dates back to a 2012 conference in Paris dedicated to the work of Trân Duc Thao and its influence on 20th-century French philosophy. Since then, numerous conferences have been held in both Hanoi and Paris, with proceedings frequently published in both French and Vietnamese. Exchange programs for researchers and academics have also been a key component of the collaboration.
“It is very significant that the French scientific public is informed of the productions of Vietnamese colleagues in the human and social sciences. It is also essential that the trends in French research are known in Vietnam,” stated Professor-Doctor Michel Spain, research director of the CNRS, École normale supérieure.”This is now the case and we must continue this complex but very fruitful dynamic.”
The conference’s timing coincides with Vietnam’s implementation of Resolution 57 of the Politburo, focusing on scientific, technological growth, innovation, and digital transformation, and Resolution 71, concerning the development of education and training. The rapid advancements in digital technologies – including the Internet of Things (IoT),big data,and artificial intelligence (AI) – are creating both hurdles and possibilities for these fields.
Organizers emphasized the need for social sciences, humanities, and education to not merely adapt to these changes, but to proactively transform, interpreting, predicting, and ultimately shaping social developments. This requires a shift towards new, interdisciplinary, and innovative academic approaches that blend customary methodologies with modern technologies.
During the conference, a cooperation protocol was formally exchanged between the Hanoi Normal School and the National School of Charters – PSL, solidifying the commitment to continued collaboration. Certificates were also presented to the conference speakers, recognizing their contributions to the dialog.
(Text and photos: Hoang Phuong/CVN)
