Vietnam seeks to transform cultural resources into intellectual property

Vietnam is working to transform its vast cultural resources—including heritage, history, cuisine, and traditional crafts—into intellectual property (IP) to drive economic value. At the Culture Tech 2026: From Culture to IP workshop, organized by TRIHD ASIA and the Ho Chi Minh City Computer Association (HCA), experts discussed strategies to bridge the gap between cultural assets and marketable IP.

Experts noted that Vietnam's cultural wealth remains an untapped “IP mine.” To achieve national goals where cultural industries contribute 7% of GDP by 2030 and 9% by 2045, the country must establish strong legal protections and strategic management. This involves digitizing historical materials and storytelling to create immersive experiences, similar to South Korea’s successful model of developing cultural content into a consumer ecosystem.

Key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History and the World Trade Center Binh Duong New City, emphasized that museums and local traditions serve as essential raw materials for creators. However, successful commercialization requires a combination of legal frameworks, technological integration, and the ability to effectively communicate cultural stories to a global audience.