According to the survey, the score was well above the 50-point threshold that signals expansion or contraction trends, placing the index in what Viet Research described as a zone of “systematic optimism.”

The result comes as Vietnam’s economy continues to recover, with GDP growth remaining above 8%, inflation under control, and exports and foreign direct investment (FDI) continuing to serve as key growth drivers. A more favorable macroeconomic environment has encouraged businesses to expand long-term investment, particularly in innovation.

By sector, banking and insurance recorded the highest score at 85 points, followed by technology, telecommunications and digital transformation at 78 points. Logistics, retail and manufacturing each scored 75 points, while pharmaceuticals and medical equipment reached 73 points, and food and beverage businesses recorded 71 points. However, Viet Research noted that the spread of innovation across sectors remains uneven.

According to the research firm, three main factors are behind growing confidence in innovation among Vietnamese businesses in early 2026: positive policy developments following Resolution 57; competitive pressure from artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation; and spillover effects from FDI inflows into semiconductors, AI and clean energy.

Experts said the value of the ISI lies not only in a single quarterly result, but also in its ability to build a quarterly data series over time, helping identify investment, production and recruitment trends at an early stage.

As Vietnamese businesses step up technological transformation, the ISI is seen as a tool to help identify market and investment trends early while supporting efforts to monitor the innovation environment and shape policy planning.

Viet Research said growing confidence among leading innovative businesses could create spillover effects across supply chains, capital markets and efforts to attract highly skilled workers.

Leading businesses place their trust in Vietnamese market

VOV.VN - Representatives of global leading corporations highly valued Vietnam’s conducive business and investment environment during an exchange with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Davos, Switzerland, on January 17 morning (local time), saying Vietnam is an attractive investment destination in the world.