DEVELOPING STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGIES: AN URGENT TASK FOR VIETNAM’S FUTURE GROWTH

Important stepping stones

Vietnam has identified that strategic technologies with strong spillover effects are key areas for investment and development. These technologies help enhance self-reliance, create national competitive advantages, ensure national defence and security, and promote sustainable socio-economic development

The development of strategic technologies is gradually engaging the entire political system, the business community, intellectuals, scientists, and society as a whole

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Over the past years, the Vietnam
Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) has worked closely
with domestic and international agencies and organisations to implement
numerous scientific research, technology development, and innovation projects
closely linked to practical needs.

Prof. Dr Tran Hong Thai, President of the Vietnam
Academy of Science and Technology (VAST)

Recently, VAST reviewed and selected a portfolio of 112 technologies ready for transfer and application, aligned with the development requirements of various sectors. These include integrated solutions combining artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud and edge computing, automation, and robotics to enhance monitoring and operational capabilities in industrial and energy systems; the Digital Core Platform (Low-code); and genetically modified rice varieties with high gamma-oryzanol content.

Some notable technologies

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Integrated solutions combining artificial intelligence

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Internet of Things

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Cloud computing / Edge Computing

3

Automation and robotics

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Digital Core Platform

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Genetically modified rice varieties with high gamma-oryzanol content

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The Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) has established strategic industrial technology research institutes focusing on semiconductors, quantum technology, and AI for sustainable development (AI4SD), as well as centres of excellence receiving significant resource investments. It has also launched 16 key research programmes concentrating on strategic technologies such as
semiconductor chips, AI, robotics and automation, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cybersecurity, advanced biomedical technology, new materials and energy, quantum technology, and sustainable development.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Bui The Duy, Director of the Vietnam
National University, Hanoi

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ThaiBinh Seed has consistently pursued a science- and technology-driven development strategy. Twenty-five years ago, it established a crop research institute staffed by specialised scientists and built strong partnerships with domestic and international research institutes and universities. To date, the company has developed and successfully commercialised more than 40 nationally recognised high-quality crop varieties, accounting for about 20% of Vietnam’s rice cultivation area and contributing to higher productivity, quality, and efficiency for farmers.

Tran Manh Bao, Chairman of ThaiBinh Seed Group JSC

Continuing to concentrate resources

The achievements of research institutes, universities, and businesses in science and technology have laid initial stepping stones for breakthroughs in the development of science and technology, including strategic technologies. However, current innovation requirements demand a new stage characterised by greater resource concentration, larger-scale development, higher levels of modernisation, and a more strategic approach.

At a thematic meeting on strategic technologies of permanent members of the Central Steering Committee for Science – Technology Development, Innovation, and Digital Transformation, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam highlighted the urgent need for fundamental changes in mindset and implementation methods. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 21/2026/QD-TTg, which identified 10 strategic technologies and 30 strategic technological products grouped into two categories. It also assigned specific tasks to ministries, sectors, and localities.

Experts noted that with the Party and State’s policies and all-level authorities' strong action, strategic technology development must focus on creating specific products with high added value, practical applicability, strong commercialisation potential, and high localisation rates to make meaningful contributions to labour productivity and the competitiveness of the national economy.

At the same time, ministries, sectors, and agencies should strengthen international cooperation and establish mechanisms encouraging foreign-invested enterprises in Vietnam to transfer technology.

Efforts should also focus on tapping into networks of overseas Vietnamese intellectuals and experts. The emphasis must shift from a mindset of merely completing tasks for the sake of formality to one centred on creating tangible products, real value, and measurable effectiveness. Science, technology, and innovation programmes should address major national challenges, with outputs, practical impact, and commercialisation levels serving as key performance indicators.

Research institutes, universities, and businesses are already adapting by introducing initiatives and targets to carry out strategic technology development policies. For example, VAST is developing a project to enhance its capabilities to match those of leading institutions in the region and the world, including investments in strategic technology research directions and specialised centres. The Vietnam National University, Hanoi is designing low-power open-source RISC-V processor IP cores for IoT devices, developing a Lab-on-a-Chip system for the early detection of lung cancer cells, and deploying intelligent control systems integrating multiple UAVs for search-and-rescue operations and large-scale surveillance. Meanwhile, ThaiBinh Seed plans to invest around 500 billion VND (about 19 million USD) in research infrastructure, a biotechnology laboratory, a data centre, and a smart testing system during 2026–2030.

Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan said Vietnam is holding a major opportunity to make a breakthrough in its new development phase to unlock all resources for science, technology, and innovation. Given this, scientists, businesses, universities, research institutes, ministries, sectors, localities, and society as a whole should work together to build a dynamic, open, and effective innovation ecosystem so that science, technology, and innovation can truly become the primary driver of Vietnam’s fast and sustainable development.