Hanoi, April 8, 2026 – The Europe Today: Vietnam has set ambitious targets to elevate its global standing in science, technology, and innovation by 2030, aiming to rank among the world’s top 50 countries in national quality infrastructure and the top three in Southeast Asia for artificial intelligence (AI) research and development.
The goals are outlined in Decision No. 604/QĐ-TTg, recently approved by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Chí Dũng, as part of revisions to the country’s National Strategy for science, technology, and innovation development through 2030.
Under the updated strategy, Vietnamese enterprises are expected to reach global average standards in technological capability and innovation capacity by the end of the decade. More than 40 percent of businesses are projected to engage in innovation activities, while at least 30 percent of research outputs from universities and research institutions are to be commercialized.
The plan also envisions the development of five to ten regionally competitive technology firms in strategic sectors, alongside achieving domestic mastery of key technologies critical to economic growth and national security. Total factor productivity is expected to contribute over 55 percent to economic expansion, while high-tech exports are projected to account for at least 50 percent of total export value.
Vietnam further aims to improve its position in the Global Innovation Index, targeting a place among the top 40 economies worldwide. Investment in research and development is set to reach at least 2 percent of GDP, with over 60 percent sourced from non-state funding. Additionally, at least 2 percent of annual state budget expenditure will be allocated to science, technology, and innovation.
The country plans to expand its scientific workforce to 12 researchers per 10,000 people and ensure that at least 50 science and technology organizations achieve regional or global recognition. International scientific publications are expected to grow by 10 percent annually, while patent filings and approvals are projected to increase by 16–18 percent each year.
The overarching objective of the strategy is to position science, technology, and innovation as the primary drivers of economic growth, enhancing productivity, competitiveness, and sustainable development, while also supporting national defense, environmental protection, and improved living standards.
To achieve these goals, the government has outlined six priority areas, including the development of strategic technologies, strengthening foundational scientific disciplines, expanding innovation infrastructure and data systems, upgrading research institutions and workforce skills, fostering a comprehensive innovation ecosystem, and enhancing international cooperation and technology diplomacy.
The strategy also introduces institutional reforms, improved financial mechanisms, and stronger governance frameworks to ensure effective implementation and long-term impact.
