The Ha Noi Creative Design Festival 2026, themed “Creative Economy”, opened on November 13 evening, starting 16 days of cultural, art and creative programming across the capital.

Developing the creative economy transcends merely supporting youth in launching businesses, it also requires a concerted effort to strengthen institutions, mobilise resources, and build a robust innovation ecosystem capable of transforming creative potential into a driver of sustainable economic growth.

Cultural industries, creative spaces and innovation-driven start-ups built on cultural assets are emerging as defining trends of the modern era. Many scientists argue that developing the creative economy is also an effective way to reinvest in, preserve and promote cultural values.

Ha Noi is stepping up efforts to turn its cultural heritage into a driver of the creative economy by adopting a long-term and ecosystem-based approach aimed at making creativity a pillar of the capital’s sustainable development.

In recent years, entrepreneurship rooted in indigenous knowledge, cultural resources and local agriculture has emerged as a highly promising path for Viet Nam’s younger generation. A spirit of creativity, combined with love for the homeland and a commitment to cultural preservation, is opening new avenues for sustainable development.

In an era increasingly defined by artificial intelligence, digital transformation, the creative economy, and innovation are no longer a strategic option — it has become a vital necessity for nations, sectors, and organisations to adapt, develop, and assert their positions.