This paper discusses the role of departments in scientific research collaboration at universities, taking the National Economics University as a specific example. On the basis of literature review on research collaboration at universities in the world, along with an analysis of the current situation of the role of faculties departments in research collaboration at National Economics University, Hanoi, and causes of the existing weaknesses, this paper has proposed a number of solutions to the University for enhancing the proactive, creative role of departments in scientific research collaboration. The paper-also draws implications for other universities in Vietnam, especially those that are striving to become research-oriented universities.