The directive by General Secretary and State President Lam reflects a shift in Vietnam’s development mindset, in line with the Politburo’s Resolution 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 on breakthroughs in sci-tech, innovation and national digital transformation. For the first time, sci-tech has been placed at the very centre as a driver of growth model.

Over the past years, global integration has opened Vietnam’s doors to new markets, capital, technology, and resources essential for its growth. Step by step, that same integration has become the engine quietly stockpiling the country’s strength through decades of reform.

Speaking at the recent 33rd Diplomatic Conference, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam drew a stark new battle line: science and technology are now transforming production, governance, and the balance of power. Artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotech, digital infrastructure, and new energy are delivering both opportunities and new risks. Nations that command technology, data, and a quality workforce will pull ahead while those that hesitate will be left further behind.

Against that backdrop, he assigned the diplomatic sector a hard new mission: sci-tech diplomacy must become a regular task. That means building networks of technology partners, linking research institutes, universities, enterprises, and experts, and scanning the horizon for new trends, standards, and policies, all to channel the right knowledge and technologies back into Vietnam. Diplomacy is no longer just about chasing capital; it must hunt knowledge, talents, and world-class best practices.

Institutional framework to unlock knowledge and technology

The directive by General Secretary and State President Lam reflects a shift in Vietnam’s development mindset, in line with the Politburo’s Resolution 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 on breakthroughs in sci-tech, innovation and national digital transformation. For the first time, sci-tech has been placed at the very centre as a driver of growth model.

Resolution 57-NQ/TW identifies global cooperation in sci-tech, innovation and digital transformation as one of seven major groups of solutions, standing shoulder to shoulder with institutional reform, infrastructure, and workforce development. It demands deeper collaboration in research, acquisition, transfer and mastery of advanced technologies in priority areas, while setting a target of attracting at least three of the world’s leading tech corporations to set up headquarters in Vietnam by 2030. The resolution also ties technology mastery directly to workforce training, aiming to lift Vietnamese enterprises and lock domestic firms more deeply into global value chains.

On January 24, 2025, the Politburo’s Resolution 59-NQ/TW on global integration in the new situation sharpened the edge even further: for the first time, global integration in science, technology and innovation was carved out as an independent solution group, treated on equal footing with economic and political-defence-security integration. Then, on May 19, 2026, the Politburo’s Resolution 06-NQ/TW on the foreign policy orientations set by the 14th National Party Congress cemented the breakthrough role of “sci-tech diplomacy” in powering the transformation of the growth model, digital overhaul and green transition.

Expanding access to knowledge and technology

Building on these broad orientations, the current task is to expand cooperation while turning foreign affairs into concrete outcomes in terms of knowledge, technology, resources and domestic development muscle. This is the exact approach the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) is pursuing in sci-tech diplomacy.

Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan called sci-tech diplomacy a pioneering tool to sharpen the economy’s internal capacity and competitiveness. Under Resolutions 57 and 06, integration and diplomacy, including sci-tech diplomacy, now stand alone as strategic breakthroughs, treated on an equal footing with economic and political-security integration.

Recent numbers show that high-level diplomacy is producing concrete results. Vietnam maintained its 44th position among 139 economies in the Global Innovation Index, while information and communications technology (ICT) exports rocketed to 174.2 billion USD. At the same time, heavyweights like Qualcomm, Samsung, Marvell, and Synopsys are aggressively scaling up inside Vietnam. The minister pointed straight at this as hard evidence that deeper global cooperation in sci-tech and innovation works.

Drawing on that track record, Quan said mastering strategic technologies requires a shift from merely accessing technology to actively shaping it. The ministry has proposed tight coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), leveraging the entire network of Vietnamese representative agencies abroad, with a focus on five core tasks.

First, Vietnam should aggressively harvest international experience for sci-tech, innovation, and digital transformation policymaking. While building policies on strategic technologies, the ministry studied the playbooks of the US, China, and other advanced economies. To set financial norms for strategic tech, for example, it benchmarked Singapore’s practices and built pay packages that rival what Singapore offers to scientists, creating a magnet for top talent. At the same time, sci-tech task management has been overhauled, rewarding final outputs over paperwork. Hard milestones now track the progress and results of technology tasks.

The minister also made clear that the MOST intends to lock arms with the MOFA to keep identifying technology partners, especially deep-tech players hunting for investment opportunities inside Vietnam.

On the pull for global technology capital and talent, Quan stressed the need to unlock cash from international investment funds. The focus is approaching and encourging tech investment funds to plant their operations in Vietnam. International capital will act as a critical lever for incubating startups in tough technology fields like biotechnology, new materials, and other advanced technologies, he said.

He singled out the global hunt for sci-tech talents as a top mission demanding tight coordination with the MOFA. That means ditching the old administrative approach to attracting overseas experts, intellectuals, and scientists. Under the new playbook, the State won’t do the recruiting. Instead, it will build the enabling mechanisms, handing research institutes, universities, and business networks far greater power to pull in and deploy talents on their own terms.

At the same time, Vietnam needs to blow up siloed mindset and the central-local divide that hampers talent recruitment and use. The goal is a wide-open, flexible innovation ecosystem designed to lure leading chief engineers, scientists, and overseas Vietnamese intellectuals home to drive major national projects. The MOST is already assembling a global network of Vietnamese AI experts, putting experts and scientists at the controls of designing and operating large-scale systems.

“Sci-tech diplomacy can’t stop at handshakes and connections. Its bottom line must be the technological capabilities actually transferred, new markets cracked open, and the country’s self-reliance hardened”, Quan affirmed.

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A recent meeting of the Central Steering Committee on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, chaired by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, marked a new phase in implementing Resolution 57 following the committee’s restructuring.ư

More than 18 months after the Politburo issued Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation, localities nationwide have rolled out concrete measures to translate it into practical programmes, mechanisms and initiatives supporting national development.

Shifting from process to measurable outcomes

A recent meeting of the Central Steering Committee on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, chaired by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, marked a new phase in implementing Resolution 57 following the committee’s restructuring.

He stressed that the reorganisation represented not merely an administrative adjustment but a strategic shift to meet the demands of the next development stage.

The meeting emphasised moving from monitoring implementation to managing outcomes. Each task must clearly define the problem to be solved, expected outputs, end users, responsible agencies and individuals, implementation conditions and evaluation criteria.

A task should only be considered complete when its results are in use and deliver measurable impact. Projects ready for implementation should proceed without delay, while unresolved issues must have clear timelines and responsibilities. New or unprecedented initiatives may be piloted under controlled conditions before wider rollout.

This reflects rising expectations for science and technology programmes. While institutional reforms and policy frameworks laid the foundation, success will now be judged by technologies, products and tangible contributions to socio-economic development.

General Secretary and President Lam also highlighted the need to transform Vietnam from a workforce reliant on routine labour to one driven by creativity, making high-quality human resources the country’s greatest long-term asset.

Farmers should become digital farmers capable of using advanced agricultural technologies; workers should master modern equipment; entrepreneurs should lead innovation; and public officials should shift from administrative management to development-oriented governance.

Achieving this requires investment to focus on high-impact, scalable projects with clear applications rather than fragmented initiatives that fail to produce competitive technologies.

Research must be geared towards commercialisation and enhancing national competitiveness, with businesses involved from identifying challenges through research, testing and commercial deployment. The State should refine institutions, commission research, share risks and help create early markets, while universities and research institutes should be assessed by the practical value of their technologies and products.

These priorities provide a framework not only for central agencies but also for local governments to develop initiatives suited to local conditions.

Local implementation gathers pace

The national strategy is increasingly reflected in concrete local programmes aimed at developing skilled human resources, advancing strategic technologies, strengthening links between research institutions and businesses, and bringing innovation into practical application.

The central province of Gia Lai has emerged as one of the most active provinces by identifying quantum technology and semiconductors as strategic priorities.

It has hosted an International Conference on Quantum Technology and Semiconductors, launched the “Road to Vietnam Quantum” programme and designated 2026 as Gia Lai Quantum Year under the theme “Connecting Quantum – Mastering Technology – Driving Development.”

Provincial leaders said the focus on quantum technology is intended not to follow global trends but to prepare early by developing talent, research capacity and international partnerships in technologies expected to shape future growth. The province aims to advance science, technology, education and an innovation-friendly environment simultaneously.

Meanwhile, strengthening governance for atomic energy has become another priority. The seventh National Nuclear Regulatory Conference, held in Quang Ninh province, reviewed progress in radiation and nuclear safety management and identified priorities for 2026–2035.

Participants called for improvements in the legal framework, stronger regulatory capacity, workforce development aligned with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards, and closer coordination among regulators, local authorities and international partners. These measures are considered essential for ensuring the safe, secure and internationally compliant expansion of atomic energy applications and Vietnam’s nuclear power programme.

Alongside developing emerging technologies, many localities are seeking closer cooperation among government agencies, universities, research institutes and businesses.

At a scientific workshop on strengthening links between government, academia and industry, Lam Dong province outlined plans to establish a long-term cooperation mechanism with businesses at its centre. Rather than simply supporting research, the province aims to encourage demand-driven innovation.

Under this “co-creation” model, businesses would help define research priorities, provide co-investment, adopt research outcomes and commercialise new technologies. The State will coordinate policies and resources, while universities and research institutes would contribute expertise, technology solutions and skilled personnel. Success will be measured by commercialisation and socio-economic impact.

This approach mirrors the direction set by General Secretary and State President Lam, who called for businesses to participate throughout the innovation process and for research institutions to be evaluated based on the technologies and value they generate. The alignment between central policy and local implementation shows growing efforts to make research more responsive to development needs.

More than 18 months after Resolution 57 was introduced, implementation has entered a phase where concrete results matter most. While institutional reforms remain important, the effectiveness of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation will increasingly be judged by successful execution and the creation of products and technologies that deliver tangible value to the economy and society./.

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After 18 months of implementing Resolution No. 57, ministries, sectors and localities have adopted innovative and effective approaches that have generated positive momentum, while winning broad support from businesses, the scientific community and the public for policies on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

The Political Bureau convened a national conference on July 1 afternoon to review the first one year and six months of implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024, on breakthroughs in the development of science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.

The conference was held in person at the National Assembly’s headquarters in Hanoi and was connected to 3,662 locations, including ministries, central agencies, organisations, provinces, cities, communes, wards, and special zones nationwide, with a total of 568,384 delegates in attendance.

The conference was attended and chaired by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam. Also present at the event were Politburo members: Prime Minister Le Minh Hung; National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man; Standing Member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu; Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Commission Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Standing Deputy Head of the Central Steering Committee for Science and Technology Development, Innovation and Digital Transformation.

Institutions must lead the way

Delivering a report at the conference, Chief of the Party Central Committee’s Office Nguyen Hai Ninh said after 18 months of implementing Resolution No. 57, ministries, sectors and localities have adopted innovative and effective approaches that have generated positive momentum, while winning broad support from businesses, the scientific community and the public for policies on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

Ninh, who is also Deputy Head of the Central Steering Committee for Science and Technology Development, Innovation and Digital Transformation, said that as of June 29, a total of 1,937 tasks had been assigned. Of the 1,469 tasks with deadlines, 1,245, or 84.8%, had been completed, 168 (11.4%) remained on schedule, while 56 (3.8%) were overdue.

The Central Steering Committee has expanded digital monitoring and supervision of the implementation of Resolution No. 57 and related resolutions while operating an online system to receive and process feedback, proposals and recommendations on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation. To date, 1,009 out of 1,071 submissions, or 94.2%, have been handled.

Over the past 18 months, Vietnam has accelerated institutional reforms with the issuance of more than 400 legal and regulatory documents, including 30 laws, over 70 decrees, 30 resolutions, 72 prime ministerial decisions, together with numerous circulars and implementation guidelines. The reforms have removed key bottlenecks and established a stronger legal framework for science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

Many of Resolution 57’s major policies have been institutionalised, including measures to promote digital transformation, digital data, the digital technology industry, strategic technologies, innovative start-ups, venture capital investment and reforms to scientific research management.

Digital transformation has also delivered tangible results. Nationwide 5G coverage has reached 91.9% of the population, more than 71 million electronic identification accounts have been activated, and the online processing rate for administrative dossiers at the local level has climbed to 93.54%, generating annual savings worth trillions of Vietnamese dong for citizens, businesses and the State.

The report noted that Vietnam has identified 10 strategic technology groups, 30 priority product groups and 20 major national challenges. However, the number of domestically mastered technologies and commercialised products remains limited, with many initiatives still at the planning or pilot stage.

According to the report, the biggest obstacle is no longer technology itself but implementation. Data quality has yet to meet requirements, the overall public investment disbursement rate stands at just 23.35%, and many tasks have been completed administratively without producing operational products or measurable impacts.

The next phase should shift from drafting policies and action plans to delivering tangible products and measurable outcomes, with service quality for citizens and businesses, productivity gains and contributions to economic growth serving as key performance indicators, it suggested.

Science and technology to drive new development model

Ninh also announced the conclusions of the Politburo and the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat following the 18-month review of Resolution No. 57, reaffirming it as a strategic resolution that positions science, technology, innovation and digital transformation as the primary drivers of Vietnam’s new development model, enhancing productivity, competitiveness, self-reliance and national strength.

The Politburo and Secretariat called for greater emphasis on delivering practical results through implementation, with the early development of new products, technologies, enterprises and growth drivers. They also urged faster commercialisation of research outcomes, stronger development of technology enterprises and the formation of new value chains based on knowledge, technology and data.

Ministries, sectors and localities were instructed to prioritise basic scientific research, strengthen the country’s scientific workforce, mobilise businesses, intellectuals, experts and the public, remove obstacles to the “three-party cooperation” model linking the State, research institutions and businesses, increase investment in research and development, master strategic technologies, and improve the effectiveness of international cooperation.

The Politburo and Secretariat also called for faster development of a modern national governance platform powered by science, technology and digital transformation, completion of national databases, expansion of digital operations across the political system, and the use of governance performance and public satisfaction as key evaluation criteria.

Ministries, sectors and local authorities were instructed to implement a 100-day action plan to address major digital transformation bottlenecks, including slow public investment disbursement, fragmented data systems, inadequate digital infrastructure and the gap between administrative completion and practical outcomes. They were also urged to accelerate decentralisation while strengthening supervision and accountability among leaders of agencies.

The Politburo and Secretariat further emphasised the need to reinforce cybersecurity, information security, and the protection of national and personal data by establishing effective early warning and incident response mechanisms. Agencies will be held accountable for ensuring the security and integrity of the digital systems under their management.

In addition, they called for a fundamental overhaul of leadership, implementation and evaluation methods by defining clear objectives, deliverables, timelines, responsibilities and performance indicators for each task, with the ultimate measure of success being the value created for citizens, businesses and the nation.

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The two sides concurred to promote dialogue mechanisms and regular delegation exchanges, enhance information and experience sharing across various sectors, including legislation. They also consented to support each other at inter-parliamentary forums.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a meeting with President of the Riigikogu (the Parliament of Estonia) Lauri Hussar on June 5 afternoon (local time) as part of his ongoing official trip to Estonia, during which the latter affirmed Vietnam as an important partner of the Baltic nation in the Southeast Asian region.

At the event, the Vietnamese Government leader thanked Estonia for its support during Vietnam’s past struggle for national liberation and reunification as well as ongoing nation-building endeavours.

Expressing his delight over the robust development of the bilateral ties over the recent past, PM Chinh said he believes that his trip will contribute to creating breakthroughs and opening up a new development period for the traditional cooperation, making it on par with the two countries’ potential.

As Vietnam eyes to become a country with modern industrial base by 2030 and a high-income developed nation by 2045, the country has seen science – technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key drivers, decisive factors, and the foundation for sustainable development. PM Chinh noted that Estonia leads in startup, innovation, e-government, digital economy, digital society, and digital citizenship – the areas where Vietnam seeks to learn from Estonia’s expertise.

Both leaders agreed that their countries need to strengthen contact and exchanges at all levels, further promoting economic – trade – investment relations, particularly given the complex developments in the global political and economic situation.

Vietnam stands ready to facilitate Estonian businesses in investing in the country, PM Chinh affirmed.

The leader proposed the early establishment of parliamentary friendship groups between the two countries to promote the exchange of specific measures aimed at strengthening political trust and mutual understanding. He also called for the Riigikogu’s support for the establishment of a Vietnam-Estonia joint committee on economic cooperation, science – technology, and innovation.

Additionally, he urged the Riigikogu’s positive advocacy to encourage several European Union member state parliaments to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to create new momentum for bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

He took the occasion to request the Riigikogu to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community living and working in Estonia, continuing to serve as a bridge between the two peoples.

Lauri Hussar, for his part, praised the positive development of the Vietnam-Estonia relations in general and parliamentary relations in particular, noting significant future potential for exploration. He laid stress on Estonia’s desire to expand its relations with Southeast Asia and expressed confidence that the bridging role of both Vietnam and Estonia, along with their excellent bilateral relationship, will serve as a catalyst to further the EU – ASEAN cooperation.

The two sides concurred to promote dialogue mechanisms and regular delegation exchanges, enhance information and experience sharing across various sectors, including legislation. They also consented to support each other at inter-parliamentary forums.

The leaders also exchanged views on several international and regional issues of mutual concern.

Regarding the East Sea issue, they affirmed the significance of maintaining peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the waters on the basis of respecting coastal countries’ interests in accordance with the international laws, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They advocated for peaceful settlement of disputes based on international law without the use or threat of force.

PM Chinh conveyed National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s invitation to visit Vietnam to the President of the Riigikogu who then graciously accepted it.

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The report also provides information on topography, geomorphology, marine meteorological hazards, and oceanographic conditions in the East Sea and along coastal areas of Vietnam, which are critical factors for the design and construction of offshore wind power projects.

The Vietnam Offshore Wind Energy Technical Potential Report 2025 was announced at a ceremony held in a hybrid format in Hanoi on April 18, which was connected with 28 coastal provinces and cities, and hydrometeorological stations nationwide.

Jointly organised by the Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration (VNMHA) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam and the Embassy of Norway in Vietnam, the event saw the participation of experts, scientists from relevant ministries, representatives from localities and foreign partners, including wind power companies.

VNMHA Deputy Director Hoang Duc Cuong stressed that transitioning to clean and renewable energy is essential to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. He said the Vietnamese Government has set a target for renewable energy to account for at least 33% of the total electricity output by 2030.

Cuong revealed that studies to assess Vietnam’s wind energy potential have been carried out through various projects and research initiatives, with the participation of several international partners.

He showed his hope that investors and managers of wind power companies will use the report for planning, investment, construction, and operation of renewable energy projects in general, and wind power in particular.

Patrick Haverman, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Vietnam, stated that the report provides the most detailed offshore wind atlas to date, featuring high-resolution data and long-term simulations covering up to 30 years.

This is a practical tool to support marine spatial planning, wind power development, and investment attraction, especially as Vietnam has recently approved its marine spatial planning scheme, coastal master planning scheme, and the adjusted National Power Development Plan for 2021-2030 (PDP VIII).

Deputy Ambassador of Norway to Vietnam Mette Moglestue highlighted the significance of the report, stressing that it provides technical information that will assist policymakers in developing appropriate wind power policies.

She emphasised the need for close cooperation among state agencies in data sharing, marine spatial planning, and offshore wind power development in Vietnam.

The report focuses on providing and sharing general information on offshore wind energy development in the world and in Vietnam. Additionally, it also provides information on topography, geomorphology, marine meteorological hazards, and oceanographic conditions in the East Sea and along coastal areas of Vietnam, which are critical factors for the design and construction of offshore wind power projects.

At the event, domestic experts, policymakers, and local and international partners discussed and shared insights on issues related to renewable energy, with a particular focus on Vietnam’s offshore wind energy potential.

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As many as 169 Vietnamese lotus seeds will embark on a journey into the space with Amanda Nguyen, a Vietnamese – American astronaut, on April 14 evening (Hanoi time) from Van Horn, Texas, the US, according to the Vietnam National Space Centre (VNSC) under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

Amanda Nguyen, a Vietnamese – American astronaut, will make history aboard Blue Origin’s first all-female crew mission when transporting symbolic botanical payload from her homeland.

As many as 169 Vietnamese lotus seeds will embark on a journey into the space with Amanda on April 14 evening (Hanoi time) from Van Horn, Texas, the US, according to the Vietnam National Space Centre (VNSC) under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

The VNSC has partnered with Amanda for the historic NS-31 mission, which marks a significant milestone in space exploration as well as the Vietnam – US cooperation in the field.

She will be joined by five accomplished female crew members, namely Aisha Bowe – a former aerospace engineer of Bahamian-American heritage, renowned journalist Gayle King; singer-philanthropist Katy Perry, film producer Kerianne Flynn, and helicopter pilot and journalist Lauren Sánchez. This represents the first all-female crew since Valentina Tereshkova’s pioneering flight in 1963, highlighting progress in gender equality within the aerospace sector.

The lotus seeds (Nelumbo nucifera), selected by the Centre for Flowers, Ornamental Research and Development under the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences, will return to the Earth after the mission for scientific study. Researchers will examine how space conditions affect their growth patterns, contributing to plant science and space exploration.

The VNSC described the journey of the lotus seeds as a timeless story, noting how the lotus, a flower that blooms from mud, symbolises resilience and hope.

The mission carries special significance in 2025 as Vietnam and the US are celebrating their 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties normalisation and 50 years since the end of the war. The event serves as a bridge of reconciliation, connecting the two nations through shared aspirations of space exploration.

The centre will host a live viewing event of the NS-31 flight from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology in Hanoi. The launch can also be followed on Blue Origin’s official website https://www.blueorigin.com/.

In the coming time, the centre will continue carrying out plans to expand its research initiatives, inspire young people’s interest in space exploration.

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The world has gone deeply into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and Resolution No.57-NQ/TW on making breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation is a positive signal showing that Vietnam is already embracing and engaging in change.

Unlike countries bound by historical traditions that are very difficult to change, Vietnam, as a developing country, has advantages in developing science, technology, and innovation. This view was shared by Dr Simon Best, senior lecturer in Management and Innovation at Middlesex University.

According to Dr Best, looking at the technological changes that are happening now, the world has gone deeply into the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Resolution No.57-NQ/TW on making breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation is a positive signal showing that Vietnam is already embracing and engaging in change.

He pointed out that Vietnam has enough enterprising and entrepreneurial people that don’t need as much input from other countries in promoting innovation, recommending the country may start by looking carefully at its own resources.

Speaking about the UK’s experiences in developing human resources for science and technology, Dr Best said Vietnam can learn from problems facing UK universities in this process, pointing to a massive transition in terms of how universities can compete against other sources of information.

He said that since the creation of the internet, universities are no longer the creators, holders and disseminators of information. The internet has taken that away while higher education institutions have yet to adjust to this, and this applies to the UK and Vietnam.

He cited an example of AI, which has been around for at least five or six years, many universities in the UK don’t have programmes or modules teaching students, including STEM students, the behavioural aspects of understanding AI, machine learning, automation and so on.

In order to address this, universities cannot just teach the technical aspects, Dr Best said, stressing that STEM programmes need to make sure that students have the understanding of how to apply technical knowledge as well as get additional training in things like entrepreneurship and innovation.

He also stressed the importance of cross-discipline collaboration to develop better human resources to go into industry, businesses and organisations, saying this cross-collaboration across different faculties or different expertise is crucial.

The scholar said STEM has and will underpin all development, but STEM alone is not enough, pointing out the industrial revolution was led by practitioners (engineers and business people), not researchers or academics. Therefore, ways should be found to cut across the silos in industry and academia and create cross-discipline programmes from the pre-university level to university level.

Dr Best pointed out survey after survey of all employers show that the ability to solve complex problems collaboratively are the key skills they need. In this sense, STEM students need to learn soft skills to enable them to develop critical thinking and collaboration skills to work with people from very different backgrounds.

In his opinion, to promote the development of science, technology and innovation, there should be small local hubs that bring together all different-sized businesses to explore and share IT resources and innovations while the distillation of technology from large businesses to smaller businesses (AI, machine learning, automation) should be sped up as well as incentives for smaller businesses to adopt technology should be provided.

In addition, a local-level business ecosystem map that shows how different sectors can support each other should also be built.

To promote efficient collaboration between the state, scientists and entrepreneurs, he suggested Vietnam invest in Erasmus Plus-style projects that bring together industry (both small and large) universities, and educational institutes to develop changes in the educational system.

In this mechanism, the government can invite businesses to identify issues and problems they have around developing human resources, particularly from STEM students, and also how they can collaborate more on ideas and projects. The businesses then bring their ideas to the government which then publishes them and invites universities and other companies to join the project and provide certain funds to cover the cost of running the project.

Speaking about how Vietnamese intellectuals overseas can contribute to their country, Dr Best said millions of ethnic Vietnamese all over the world are an incredible, rich, and valuable resource. He recommended the country adopt mechanisms to build relationship between the country and the overseas Vietnamese intellectual community, encouraging them to come back and engage more with the country.

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Vietnam has chosen the right path by prioritizing science and technology development, along with innovation, as key drivers of socio-economic growth, according to Dr. Grigory Trubnikov, an Academician of the Russian Academy of Science and Director of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Dubna, commonly known as the Dubna Institute.

In a recent interview , Trubnikov discussed the significance of the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57, which aims to accelerate breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. He emphasized that this resolution is a crucial step toward unlocking Vietnam’s technological potential.

Trubnikov highlighted Vietnam’s strong economic growth, favorable geographical location, and advantageous climatic conditions as key factors supporting its advancement in scientific, technological, and educational sectors. He also underscored the importance of international cooperation in fostering national scientific development.

According to him, international collaboration offers both economic and intellectual benefits, as each participating country contributes expertise and resources. The collective intellectual potential generated through such partnerships is invaluable. He noted that the JINR openly shares its scientific publications, inventions, and technologies with the global research community, benefiting Vietnam and other member nations.

The Russian expert also praised the growing scientific cooperation between Vietnam and Russia, citing new momentum gained following the Vietnamese government’s approval of a policy to establish a nuclear technology center. The Dubna Institute has played an active role in this initiative, contributing to the design of sophisticated equipment for various fields, including medicine, biology, fundamental research, and advanced materials.

Reflecting on recent years of delegation exchanges, Trubnikov emphasized that these collaborations are paving the way for long-term scientific development in Vietnam. He noted that the nuclear technology center will significantly influence Vietnam’s scientific landscape for the next 30 to 40 years.

Although the project is still in its design phase, Vietnamese scientists at Dubna are actively preparing by enhancing their skills to meet the project’s demands. Trubnikov expressed hope that the center will be established within the next one to two years, with support from Russia’s Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation. By then, 20 to 30 Vietnamese scientists trained at Dubna, equipped with practical experience and expertise, will be ready to contribute to their homeland’s scientific progress.

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Vietnam, like other first-time nuclear power developers, needs to fully participate in international treaties on nuclear development, experts said.

Relevant authorities are working hard to finalise the amended Law on Atomic Energy and promote international cooperation on nuclear safety, security, and safeguards, making it ready for developing the Centre for Nuclear Energy Science & Technology (CNEST) and nuclear power plant projects.

Actively joining international nuclear conventions

Developing nuclear power is almost the only technology that must fully comply with international supervision and cooperation regulations, particularly in nuclear safety, security, and safeguards – an effective mechanism to ensure the safe, secure, and responsible operation of nuclear power plants and their integration into the national grid.

Therefore, Vietnam, like other first-time nuclear power developers, needs to fully participate in international treaties on nuclear development, experts said.

According to Prof. Pham Duy Hien, an atomic energy expert and former Deputy Director of the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VAEI) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Vietnam has been actively participating in international conventions under the sponsorship of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). As an official IAEA member since 1957, Vietnam has focused on nuclear safety and security, and the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Vietnam also joined the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), one of the fundamental international legal instruments of the global non-proliferation regime, which holds significant importance for almost all nations, including both nuclear-weapon and non-nuclear-weapon states.

Through its participation in the NPT, Vietnam has received support from the IAEA in maintaining the Da Lat Nuclear Reactor and implementing many important nuclear applications in industry, agriculture, healthcare, and radiation safety.

Most recently, at the regular session of the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna, Austria, in early March 2025, Vietnam signed bilateral agreements on civil nuclear cooperation with several countries to support the construction of nuclear power plants.

In the process of nuclear power development, nuclear inspection and compensation are key aspects that must be implemented in accordance with international regulations and commitments.

Regarding this issue, Vuong Huu Tan, former Director General of the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (VARNS) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, stated that Vietnam has not yet joined the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage. Therefore, a national policy declaration on nuclear compensation is necessary to create a basis for negotiating and signing intergovernmental agreements on the construction of new nuclear power plants and research reactors related to nuclear compensation.

Tan also underlined the need to have detailed regulations on compensation for nuclear damages in the amended Law on Atomic Energy, ensuring alignment with international practices so that it can be applied in intergovernmental agreements on building new nuclear power plants and new research reactors between Vietnam and its partners.

Legal framework for nuclear power development

Regarding the legal framework for nuclear power development, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh urged VARNS and relevant agencies to re-assess national infrastructure as Vietnam resumes its nuclear power programme. He stressed the need to build a comprehensive plan serving nuclear power development.

It is also important to implement the Politburo’s resolution on science, technology, and digital transformation, and the National Assembly’s resolution on special mechanisms for the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project, he said.

Director of VARNS Nguyen Tuan Khai said that in 2025, the agency will complete the revision of the Law on Atomic Energy. It would enhance and ensure the quality of licensing assessments, and finalise the nuclear radiation safety inspection plan. There would also be a focus on international cooperation activities to strengthen technical capacity and expand projects and partnerships in nuclear safety, security, and safeguards.

The agency will also promote its role as the national focal point for relevant international conventions and treaties to ensure the implementation of national obligations in line with regulations and commitments with international partners.

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UK-based scientists have lauded Vietnam’s Resolution 57, emphasizing its crucial role in fostering national development through science and technology investment.

Resolution 57-NQ/TW, issued by the Politburo on December 22, 2024, focuses on advancing science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. The resolution has garnered significant attention from the scientific community in the UK.

At the recent Workshop on Quantum and Digital Twin Technologies for 5G/6G held at Middlesex University in London, Vietnamese and British scientists shared their positive assessments of Vietnam’s science and technology strategy with Vietnam News Agency correspondents.

Experts at the event agreed that prioritizing investment in science and technology is a strategic move that will drive Vietnam’s breakthrough development. Dr. To Duc, Principal System Architect at Rakuten Symphony UK, highlighted that the resolution demonstrates the Party and State’s long-term vision for scientific and digital transformation. He described it as a strategic document that will play a pivotal role in shaping Vietnam’s development in the coming decades.

Dr. Duc also noted that the resolution marks a significant breakthrough, as it commits to attracting and efficiently utilizing investment resources for scientific innovation and digital transformation. Importantly, it establishes specific objectives and action plans for technological advancement.

Professor Balbir Barn, Academic Dean for the Faculty of Science and Technology at Middlesex University, affirmed that Vietnam is well-positioned to take a leadership role in technological and scientific development. Through his visits to Vietnam, he observed a dynamic culture of innovation and research, which he believes provides essential motivation for a thriving innovation-driven society.

In discussing priority areas for development, the scientists emphasized the importance of identifying key strengths and focusing investment on them rather than dispersing resources too broadly. They also underscored the necessity of ensuring the commercial application of scientific research.

Dr. Vo Cong Duan, Chief Technology Officer at Quantum Science Ltd., suggested that Vietnam should concentrate on areas where it has competitive advantages, such as agriculture, genetically modified technology, agricultural innovations, and biomedical technology. Given limited resources, he stressed that focusing on select fields would yield the most impactful results.

Experts at the workshop also shared insights from the UK and other international experiences in science and technology development. They highlighted the critical role of collaboration among the government, universities, and businesses in fostering innovation and achieving sustainable technological growth.

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