UN signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Vietnam National University

The University of Northampton’s Institute for Social Innovation and Impact and the Centre for Economic Development Studies (CEDS) based at the Vietnam National University in Hanoi, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop collaborative projects between the two institutions.

This academic partnership seeks to develop collaborative research, secure funding and influence government policy in both countries by building upon the unique experiences of both institutions, as well as the rich histories of social innovation in both countries. As part of this collaboration, the Institute for Social Innovation and Impact recently welcomed Cao Tu Oanh, a research student from CEDS, to begin her MPhil studies at the University of Northampton. Oanh’s MPhil will investigate the role of social value in public service delivery in the UK and the policy implications for Vietnam.

Speaking about the partnership, Dr Richard Hazenberg of the Institute for Social Innovation and Impact said “We are thrilled to be welcoming Oanh to Northampton, as she is a very capable student and will be a great asset to the Institute and the University. This is a sign of our ongoing commitment to the partnership with CEDS and to global social innovation and networks.”

These sentiments were also echoed by Dr Pham Vu Thang, Director of CEDS. He commented: “We at CEDS are delighted to be in partnership with the Institute for Social Innovation and Impact and the University of Northampton, which is a leading university in the UK for social enterprise. The commencement of our first research student at Northampton is a sign of our desire to facilitate learning between our two countries and we look forward to working with Professor Simon Denny and Dr Richard Hazenberg on further projects.”

Find out more about CEDS.

Photo: Dr Pham Vu Thang touring Goodwill Solutions with the CEO Mike Britton and Dr Hazenberg, August 2014.