Vietnam accelerates science, technology, and digital transformation

Vietnam is intensifying its focus on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation to drive economic growth and competitiveness. The Government Office recently issued a directive requiring heads of ministries and local authorities to take direct responsibility for implementing these tasks and to resolve all delayed or overdue projects immediately.

To support strategic technology development, the Ministry of Science and Technology has introduced Circular 49/2026/TT-BKHCN. This new financial mechanism allows for market-based expert hiring, performance-based funding, and increased autonomy to manage R&D risks. Currently, 22 strategic technology tasks—covering sectors such as aerospace, high-speed rail, energy, healthcare, and agriculture—have been cleared for implementation, with a significant portion of funding sourced from non-state budgets.

Furthermore, national policy is shifting toward the development of the low-altitude economy, including drones (UAVs) and satellite technology. Leadership has also emphasized a strategic shift in human resource management, moving from traditional administrative staffing toward a model that mobilizes top-tier experts and interdisciplinary research groups based on specific task requirements rather than fixed bureaucratic positions.