Vietnam achieves technological leap through open-door policies

Vietnam has achieved significant technological progress driven by its “open-door” policy, infrastructure development, and the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI). According to economist and researcher Irina Dezhina of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the country is experiencing a “technological leap” characterized by rapid growth in the services sector and the knowledge industry.

Key drivers of this transformation include Vietnam's strategic location near Southeast Asian manufacturing hubs, its proximity to Chinese and Indian markets, and its possession of rare earth resources essential for semiconductor production. The country's technological trajectory is rooted in the 1986 “Doi Moi” (Renovation) policy.

However, Dezhina notes that this growth does not yet equate to technological autonomy. While FDI significantly boosts GDP, the transfer of technology and management capabilities to domestic firms remains limited. Currently, Vietnam primarily focuses on low-value-added stages and final product assembly, with relatively low investment in scientific research.