Speaking at a ceremony marking Vietnam Science, Technology and Innovation Day and a conference on strategic technology implementation in Hanoi on May 18, PM Hung stressed that science and technology, innovation and digital transformation must become the leading foundation, driving force and strategic breakthrough for the country’s new development stage.

He also called for further development of capital markets for innovation, venture capital funds and innovative startups in order to channel more resources into priority technology sectors.

According to the Government leader, Vietnam aims to become a modern industrialized country by 2030 and a high-income developed country by 2045. To achieve these goals, science and technology, innovation and digital transformation must contribute to improving productivity, quality and the competitiveness of the economy.

At the conference, Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan said science and technology and innovation are the foundation for rapid, sustainable growth and stronger national competitiveness.

For science and technology to truly become a driving force for development, Vietnam needs to unlock all resources within the national innovation ecosystem, including intellectual resources, investment, data, infrastructure, training, international cooperation and the creativity of younger generations, Quan emphasized.

The minister noted that Vietnam should continue reforming science and technology governance, accept controlled risks and create a more favorable environment for innovative enterprises, technology companies and Vietnamese tech startups to grow.

Speakers at the conference focused on mastering core technologies, developing digital platforms and promoting commercialization of “Make in Viet Nam” technology products.

Representatives from the Ministry of Public Security highlighted cloud computing, cybersecurity and UAV technologies serving security, defense and digital transformation, while Vietnam National University, Hanoi introduced research programs on semiconductors, AI and quantum technology. Businesses and industry associations also presented solutions related to digital identity, biotechnology and big data for high-tech industries and green agriculture.

PM Hung requested that the Ministry of Science and Technology play a central role in coordinating with ministries, local authorities, businesses, research institutes and universities to effectively implement the national list of strategic technologies and strategic technology products.

He stressed that strategic technologies must be turned into high value-added products that can be commercialized, achieve high localization rates and contribute directly to labor productivity and the competitiveness of the economy. Businesses, research institutes and universities, he said, must become the center of the innovation ecosystem.

The Government chief also instructed ministries and sectors to quickly establish mechanisms to commission businesses, research institutes and universities to develop core technologies, with a strong determination to develop products for key sectors as early as 2026.

On policy, the PM called for strong and practical incentive mechanisms that can be implemented immediately, while urging a rapid review and removal of obstacles related to financial mechanisms for science and technology and innovation.

He said financial mechanisms for science and technology must be designed to encourage breakthroughs, warning that conventional investment procedures would make it difficult to foster innovation. The State should accept controlled risks, evaluate investments based on outputs and practical effectiveness, and encourage businesses and society to contribute resources to the development of priority products, he went on.

PM Hung also stressed that the State should play a facilitating and coordinating role, support research and development and become the first buyer of strategic technology products once conditions are met. Tasks, he said, must clearly define products, lead agencies, participating businesses and research institutes, resources and implementation timelines.

In addition, he called for building an effective innovation ecosystem in which the State plays a role in institutional development, research institutes and universities create knowledge, technology and human resources, and businesses serve as the center for technology application and commercialization.

It is imperative to develop Vietnamese technology enterprises capable of competing internationally and playing a leading role in strategic technology sectors, PM Hung emphasized.

The PM called for exceptional mechanisms to identify, train, attract and effectively utilize science and technology talent, particularly leading experts, young scientists and technology talent.

He also urged a shift away from a “doing things for appearances” mindset toward creating practical products with real value and effectiveness, while using outputs, commercialization efficiency and the ability to serve people and businesses as benchmarks for science, technology and innovation programs.

PM Hung expressed confidence that Vietnam will gradually master strategic technologies, strengthen national self-reliance and affirm the country’s position in the digital era. He also called on intellectuals, scientists, technology businesses and society as a whole to continue promoting innovation to help build a stronger Vietnamese science and technology sector in the years ahead.

Vietnam identifies 10 strategic technology groups with AI at the core

VOV.VN - The Vietnamese Prime Minister has issued a list of strategic technologies and strategic technology products, identifying 10 priority technology groups in which artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies play a central role to concentrate resources on core technologies, strengthen competitiveness and safeguard national security.