Vietnam Prioritizes Innovation for Development

Why this is here: Vietnam intends to consolidate its 42 existing national science and technology programs into just six focused groups to streamline research efforts.

Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology Vũ Hải Quân stated Monday that Vietnam needs to fully utilize its innovation ecosystem to drive growth. He spoke at a conference marking Vietnam Science, Technology and Innovation Day in Hà Nội. Quân emphasized technology as a key factor in national competitiveness and self-reliance during a period of global strategic competition.

The minister outlined a need to mobilize resources—including intellectual capital, enterprise investment, and university research—along with strong institutional frameworks and international collaboration. Vietnam aims to escape the middle-income trap through breakthroughs in science, technology, and digital transformation, as outlined in Politburo Resolution No. 57.

The Ministry of Science and Technology plans to consolidate 42 national science programs into six groups, focusing on areas like AI, semiconductors, and biotechnology. Developing a National Science and Technology Management Platform will integrate data on research and funding, but the ministry acknowledges challenges remain in areas like finance and commercialization of research. The work to build a dynamic innovation ecosystem continues.