Needs assessment Knowledge Infrastructure Combi-track Vietnam

Involved organisations:

Nuffic South East Asia

RVO

Dutch Embassy in Vietnam

Context

Q-Point, commissioned by Nuffic South East Asia, has conducted a needs assessment for the knowledge infrastructure of the Combi-track program in Vietnam. This study specifically focuses on the aquaculture sector in the Mekong Delta, with particular attention to pangasius production (DeltaVax) and shrimp farming (ShrimpTechVietnam). It represents an important step in developing a forward-looking strategy for the Combi-track program and provides insights into the current shortcomings and needs of the sector.

The report offers concrete recommendations at three levels: formal education, informal education, and business-to-business interactions. It highlights the need for practice-oriented learning methods and the improvement of both technical and soft skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and risk management. Furthermore, proposed interventions aim to strengthen collaboration between educational institutions and the private sector, such as establishing learning and innovation hubs, hands-on learning environments, and setting up advisory councils to align curricula with industry needs.

The results of this study contribute to making informed decisions for future activities within Combi-track, aligning with broader goals of internationalisation, capacity building, and sustainable cooperation in higher education. It strengthens collaboration between Vietnam and the Netherlands, with the goal of creating sustainable solutions for the aquaculture sector and the knowledge infrastructure of the region.

The involved organisations

Nuffic South East Asia

RVO

Dutch Embassy Vietnam

Executed by: Olivia Ansenk (Q-Point) and Nguyen Kim Thanh (Kim Delta Vietnam)

Project goal and outputs

The rationale behind this needs assessment stems from the recognition that a sustainable knowledge infrastructure is a vital prerequisite to ensure the aquaculture sector is supported by a workforce equipped with cutting-edge knowledge, skills, and competencies across various professional roles within the aquaculture value chain.

While a knowledge and research infrastructure does exist within Vietnam’s aquaculture sector, gaps have been identified in skills, knowledge, and applied research. These are seen as key barriers to accelerating innovation, quality improvements, and production across the aquaculture value chain.

In addition, several challenges have been noted within the current training and education landscape in the Mekong Delta:

There is a strong need to better align the various training and education programmes offered in both formal and informal settings.
More structured collaboration is required between the private sector and training and education providers, which should ideally be professionalised and institutionalised.
Although farmers and professionals have access to a range of training opportunities (via input suppliers, extension workers, government agencies, NGOs), these are often fragmented and poorly coordinated. This leads to limited uptake and popularity of new technologies among farmers.
Academic and vocational education vary in both quality and responsiveness to market standards and consumer demands. The May 2024 scoping mission highlighted a clear demand for stronger technical and practical competencies (e.g. water quality management, hands-on training, applied research), as well as soft skills (e.g. critical thinking, teamwork, business skills).
A specific challenge lies in integrating new insights into existing curricula.
Private sector engagement is generally ad hoc and lacks a professional approach, with room for improvement in areas such as internships and collaborative research.

Objectives of the needs assessment

This needs assessment aims to address the issues outlined above by:

Identifying the required skills, knowledge, and research capacities—particularly within the formal education sector (TVET and universities), and where relevant, in informal training for farmers and cooperatives.
Building on the findings of the May 2024 scoping mission funded by GroenPact, and taking into account the collaborative activities within the Combi-Track, especially the impact clusters in pangasius (Deltavax) and shrimp (ShrimpTechVietnam).
Providing a snapshot of the current situation, identifying gaps and opportunities in knowledge and skills development within the impact clusters, to serve as a baseline.
Highlighting specific opportunities for the Dutch knowledge sector to contribute to the knowledge and training component of the Combi-Track programme in the Mekong Delta. The Dutch knowledge and education sector is regarded as experienced and capable, with potential to enhance the current training and education offering.
Setting objectives for future interventions aimed at addressing the identified challenges.
Providing initial guidance for future programme development, with a focus on building a sustainable knowledge and skills infrastructure tailored to local industry and market needs.
Proposing a framework to monitor the effectiveness of future interventions and evaluate their long-term impact.

The ultimate goal is to generate actionable and forward-looking recommendations for future short- and long-term initiatives that can strengthen aquaculture training and education provision in the Mekong Delta.

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals

Acknowledging the global shift towards nature-based solutions and integrated approaches in water management and agriculture, with the Netherlands leading in innovative, technology-driven sustainable production, is perceived as essential.

Emphasising the need for Vietnam’s aquaculture education to move beyond technology-focused solutions and incorporate environmental, social, and cultural dimensions, developing regenerative thinkers and practitioners who can restore and sustain healthy aquatic and land environments.

Promote knowledge and skills development in ecological systems, landscape approaches, and holistic value models to support eco-friendly production systems like organic farming, circular aquaculture, polyculture, integrated agriculture-aquaculture, nature-based solutions, and regenerative farming.

Facilitate trans-sectoral cooperation and communication, understanding power structures, and fostering adaptability and lifelong learning.

Explore partnerships with Dutch organisations specialising in regenerative landscapes and transition science. This shift requires a move from traditional growth models focused solely on production and profit to an ecological approach that enhances ecosystem health and social well-being.