On the afternoon of March 5, 2026, Vietnam–Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU), the University of Danang, organized a seminar entitled “The Role of Cultural-Creative Industries in the Development of Cities.” The event attracted the interest and participation of many lecturers and students from the Faculty of Digital Economy and E-Commerce. The seminar served as a meaningful international academic exchange activity, helping broaden perspectives on the role of cultural and creative industries in modern urban development.

VKU lecturers and students take a photo with the experts

The seminar featured presentations by experts from Babeș-Bolyai University, one of the most prestigious universities in Romania. The speakers included Dr. Corina Rotar (Lecturer, Department of Communication, Public Relations and Advertising), Dr. Ioana Rusu (Lecturer, Department of Communication, Public Relations and Advertising), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bogdana Neamtu (Chair, Faculty of Public Administration and Management). Representatives of the Faculty of Digital Economy and E-Commerce, along with lecturers and students, attended the seminar and actively engaged in discussions with the speakers.

Experts share insights about the city of Cluj-Napoca

During the seminar, the experts provided an overview of Babeș-Bolyai University and the city of Cluj-Napoca—a major academic, technological, and creative hub in Romania. Once relatively unknown on the European tourism map, Cluj-Napoca faced a strategic question: how to effectively leverage its cultural, historical, and human resources to attract visitors and stimulate local economic growth.

According to the speakers, the local government and universities in Cluj-Napoca proactively sought ideas from students—young people full of creativity and aspiration. From proposals to organize events, festivals, and art and music programs to enhance the city’s appeal, Cluj-Napoca gradually developed a dynamic cultural and creative industry ecosystem. Several large-scale festivals were launched and have since become internationally recognized brands, such as the Transilvania International Film Festival, UNTOLD Festival, and Electric Castle. These events attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, generate significant revenue, and stimulate the development of digital media, marketing, event management, and related service industries.

The experts emphasized that cultural and creative industries are not merely entertainment activities but represent a sustainable urban development strategy based on the collaboration among government, universities, businesses, and the community. Communication plays a central role in shaping a city’s image, positioning its brand, and promoting its values internationally.

In addition, the speakers highlighted similarities with Da Nang, a city that has been actively developing its tourism industry through a series of large-scale events, festivals, and cultural activities. Through this perspective, VKU students were encouraged to reflect on the role of the younger generation in applying digital technologies, e-commerce, and creative communication to enhance urban competitiveness and strengthen city branding.

The seminar not only presented vivid real-world experiences from Romania but also opened up new approaches for research and practice in creative urban development. It also demonstrates VKU’s continuous efforts to expand international cooperation, foster a globally integrated learning environment, and inspire innovation among students in the context of global digital transformation.

Center for Learning Resource and Communication

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