Science and technology at core of growth | Vietnam Today

The 2013 National Party Congress identified science and technology and innovation as a top national priority and a key driver for enhancing the competitiveness of the economy. Despite policy bottlenecks, breakthroughs over the past five years have driven clear progress. Science and technology is now positioned as a central driver of growth, transformation and sustainable development. From relying on imported network equipment, Vietnam has now achieved full self-reliance in 5G equipment, placing the country among a small group worldwide capable of producing advanced telecommunications infrastructure. Although Vietnam also successfully built and launched the Nano Dragon satellite, marking gradual participation in space technology. Over the past five years, spending on scientific research jointly funded by the state and businesses has focused on several key factors that form the backbone of an independent and self-reliant economy. In December 2024, Resolution 57 was issued, and it's seen as a breakthrough in science and technology. It introduced institutional reforms by allowing controlled pilot mechanisms and risk acceptance for the first time. The government has identified 11 strategic technologies, including AI and semiconductors, helping Vietnam maintain its 44th place in the Global Innovation Index. It can be said that never have science and technology institutions received such strong attention as in recent times, as the Party General Secretary has emphasized investment must be made at the right scale and level with breakthrough steps to move forward as seen recently. According to statistics, Vietnam's research and development workforce has now exceeded 200,000 people, an increase of more than 11%, compared with the start of the term. By 2030, Vietnam aims to train 50,000 semiconductor engineers and establish a network of 100 innovation centers to support key industries. Many Vietnamese professionals are working in leading science and technology centers around the world. They are highly committed and ready to contribute, while domestic mechanisms have now become more open. By 2030, the digital economy is targeted to account for 30% of GDP. This goal is not just an aspiration, but a clear statement of Vietnam's development path with science and technology as the core foundation and driving force.