A key for sci-tech development, innovation, and digital transformation\

The Politburo issued Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on December 22, 2024, on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, viewed as a measure that aims to unleash Vietnam’s technological potential, which is regarded as a “gold pass” to usher Vietnam into the new era. Party General Secretary To Lam, Head of the Central Steering Committee for the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation, affirmed that science and technology are decisive factors in national development and prerequisites for the country to grow wealthy in the “New era - The era of the nation’s rise”.

According to the scientific and business communities, Politburo Resolution No. 57 adopts an open, creative approach that allows for pilot implementation in response to newly-emerging real-world issues. It embraces risk-taking, venture investment, and research delays in science, technology development, and innovation.

The Resolution defines investment in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as a mandatory task in the current phase, to develop Vietnam and enable the country to realize its goals for 2030 and its vision for 2045. It also focuses on removing bottlenecks, thereby unleashing creativity, workplace productivity, and investment resources across society for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Unlocking Vietnam’s scientific potential

In an address to the National Conference on Breakthroughs in the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation, and National Digital Transformation, held on January 13, Party General Secretary Lam emphasized that, since the 4th National Party Congress, science and technology have been identified as revolutionary forces and today are considered a top national policy item.

Several key resolutions have been issued, yielding positive outcomes and contributing to the country’s development seen today.

However, taking a comprehensive, serious, and objective view, the implementation of these resolutions has fallen short of their intended goals, with outcomes failing to meet expectations or satisfy the demands of development.

According to the Party General Secretary, numerous limitations, bottlenecks, and barriers remain that hinder the advancement of science and technology, as outlined in reports. These include institutional, regulatory, and policy issues, as well as legal framework and resource constraints. There is also a reluctance to accept risks in research, a failure to commercialize results, and cases where research projects are misused for profit under the guise of academic work.

He attributed the lack of true success in implementing Party resolutions primarily to weaknesses in execution. Therefore, Politburo Resolution No. 57 does not replace previous instruments but rather serves as a “Resolution to liberate scientific thinking”, a “Resolution to implement other resolutions”, and a “Resolution of action”. It sets out specific goals and encourages new ways of thinking and acting, aiming to materialize directives, remove obstacles, and unleash potential.

It also sets forth ambitious goals. By 2030, Vietnam is to achieve advanced levels in science, technology, and innovation in many key fields, ranking among the leading upper-middle-income countries. The technological and innovation capabilities of enterprises should exceed the global average, with certain fields reaching international standards. Vietnam aspires to be among the top 3 Southeast Asian nations and top 50 globally in digital competitiveness and e-government development, and among the top 3 in the region for AI research and development. The country also seeks to become a hub for several digital tech industries where it holds competitive advantages.

Vietnam will also gradually master strategic and digital technologies such as AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, cloud computing, blockchain, semiconductors, quantum technology, nanotechnology, 5G and 6G mobile communications, satellite information, and other emerging technologies.

By 2045, science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation are expected to be firmly established, helping Vietnam become a developed, high-income country. Its digital economy should account for at least 50 per cent of GDP. It aims to be a leading digital technology industrial center in the region and the world and to rank among the top 30 globally in innovation and digital transformation.

In addition to these ambitious goals, Politburo Resolution No. 57 also outlines decisive, breakthrough, and action-oriented tasks and solutions that aim to “break barriers and remove the shackles” to accelerate the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. For example, investment in science and technology is now seen as a long-term strategic investment rather than a short-term one. Institutions must be perfected decisively; all outdated mindsets and barriers obstructing development must be removed. The regulatory framework should become a competitive advantage in driving development in these fields.

A flexible and creative approach will be adopted, allowing pilot testing for new, practical issues. Vietnam will embrace risk, venture capital, and time delays inherent in scientific research, technological development, and innovation. Pilot mechanisms will allow businesses to test new technologies under State supervision. Policies will also exempt businesses, organizations, and individuals from liability in cases where economic losses result from objective circumstances during experimentation with new technologies or business models. Venture capital funds will be established to support innovative startups, tech incubation, and digital transformation.

Special mechanisms regarding citizenship, property ownership, income, and working environments will be introduced to attract, retain, and promote top scientists, experts, and “chief architects” from both within and outside of the country that are capable of leading and implementing national-level science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation missions, particularly in AI and human resources development.

Following the issuance of Politburo Resolution No. 57 in late 2024, the scientific and business communities responded with enthusiasm and optimism. Its open and action-oriented directives have established a creative space for intellectuals and scientists to seize significant opportunities in fields like AI, biotechnology, renewable energy, big data, and digital transformation. Notably, the willingness to accept risks and permit venture investment in scientific research enables researchers to boldly explore new ideas and directions.

In his address at the national conference, Party General Secretary Lam emphasized that Politburo Resolution No. 57 outlines strategic directions that have received widespread support from Party members, scientists, and the business community, both domestic and international. Many see it as a “Khoan 10” for the science and technology sector [Resolution No. 10-NQ/TW, widely known as “Khoan 10”, was issued by the Politburo in 1988 and marked a turning point in Vietnam’s agricultural management reform].

According to the Party General Secretary, with the goal of becoming a modern industrialized country by 2030 and a high-income developed country by 2045, Vietnam must regard science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key drivers. These are the “gold pass”, the vital factors to escape the middle-income trap and the risk of falling behind, while also realizing the national aspiration for prosperity and strength.

Eight key tasks and solutions

In his keynote address at the conference, Party General Secretary Lam outlined eight key tasks and solutions, emphasizing breakthrough missions.

First, unify awareness and action

Recognize science and technology development, innovation, and digital transformation as strategic missions of the entire Party, people, and military. Party committees and authorities at all levels must cement the Resolution through practical, action-oriented plans, using implementation outcomes as key performance indicators for commendation and emulation.

Authorities and units must develop clear action plans aligned with Politburo Resolution No. 57’s objectives, with defined tasks, assigned responsibilities, deadlines, and measurable outcomes. In 2025 alone, it is essential to identify and resolve foundational issues to build momentum for the 2026-2030 period, catalyzing productivity gains and restoring public trust.

Second, urgently restructure the science and technology apparatus

In 2025, as soon as possible, complete the revision, supplementation, or introduction of legal regulations and policies to remove bottlenecks and barriers to the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Unleash creativity to the fullest, and encourage a culture of daring to think, act, and take responsibility.

Any regulations that need to be eliminated must be removed immediately. Laws that require amendment should be revised in a synchronized, coherent, and streamlined manner, with each matter governed by one law only. This includes adopting new thinking and approaches when amending the Law on Information Technology, the Law on Science and Technology, the Law on State Budget, the Law on Public Asset Management, and the Law on Public Officials and Civil Servants, ensuring harmony across related legislation.

At the same time, bold, innovative individuals must be empowered through legal provisions, creating room for managers to make decisions and take responsibility.

Third, accelerate the reorganization of science and technology institutions

By the first quarter of 2025, complete the restructuring of science and technology organizations, and prioritize focused investments in building strong research institutions.

Develop a detailed plan to build a high-quality talent pool, particularly in science and technology. Implement breakthrough solutions to attract top global technology corporations and both domestic and international tech talents. Administrative procedures for this must be made significantly more streamlined, and even competitive with other countries, to be effective. Outdated business conditions inconsistent with the new demands of Politburo Resolution No. 57 should be reviewed and eliminated.

The government may pilot inviting external experts, particularly from the overseas Vietnamese community, to take on leadership roles in select institutes or universities. These individuals, deeply familiar with Vietnamese culture, trained in developed countries, professionally competent, and internationally connected, were previously discouraged by bureaucratic obstacles. Now, the environment will be far more conducive.

Consider establishing a Chief Architect or Chief Engineer mechanism to lead major interdisciplinary science, technology, and digital transformation initiatives. Establish a National Institute for Standards and Testing to handle research, experimentation, evaluation, and certification of products and services.

The State will facilitate the establishment of private research institutes by streamlining procedures, offering tax and credit incentives, and enabling foreign experts to work in Vietnam with full support. (In recent years, several large tech groups considered investing in Vietnam but were deterred by overly-complex procedures, causing year-long delays in project implementation.) This issue must be urgently reviewed and radically reformed, starting in 2025.

Fourth, prioritize national budget allocation for science and technology as a top breakthrough strategy

Allocate sufficient funds for science and technology, research and development (R&D), and the establishment of science and technology funds. Promote the formation of venture capital and angel investor, startup, and innovation funds.

Explore mechanisms for public investment-private governance models to ensure scientists have autonomy in research and technological application.

In 2025, the first year of Politburo Resolution No. 57’s implementation, the government must revamp its budget planning for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. It is proposed that at least 3 per cent of the national budget be allocated to this endeavor and that science and technology spending gradually increase to 2 per cent of GDP over the next five years. This policy should be announced promptly, with simplified procedures for implementation.

All ongoing programs and projects must be reviewed and adjusted to align with Politburo Resolution No. 57, avoiding waste and focusing investments on key priorities. Simultaneously, there must be a complete overhaul of the budget allocation, management, and settlement process, eliminating the “ask-give” mechanism and unnecessary bureaucracy to optimize resources and stimulate innovation.

Fifth, rapidly develop a high-quality human resources base

Establish mechanisms to attract talent in general, especially scientific and technological talent, overseas Vietnamese experts, and international professionals, through appealing policies on citizenship, income, housing, and working environment. Related administrative procedures must be streamlined, attractive, and internationally competitive. Develop a network of domestic and international experts and regularly report progress to the Central Steering Committee. Promote movements that honor talent and innovation, fostering patriotism and dedication among scientists. Sustain the lifelong learning movement and reform the education and training system, with a focus on postgraduate, higher education, and vocational training.

Sixth, enhance investment in technological infrastructure, including digital technology

Prioritize the construction and completion of infrastructure as outlined in Politburo Resolution No. 57. In particular, energy infrastructure for the next five to ten years must be prepared, with a focus on clean energy, ensuring sufficient supply for development through concrete actions. Optimize and upgrade digital infrastructure by building 5G base stations, expanding broadband internet, and increasing fiber optic coverage. Develop high-speed low-Earth orbit satellite systems. Establish a national data center and implement the Data Law and data exchange platform in 2025.

In 2025, the government’s Party Committee must lead the review and supplementation of the National Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8), effectively harness wind and solar power, and begin constructing a nuclear power plant to ensure a sustainable electricity supply. At the same time, effectively manage, exploit, and protect mineral resources, especially rare earth elements, to serve national science and technology development.

Seventh, focus on key industries with strengths and potential, avoiding fragmented efforts

Resources should be prioritized for a few strategic economic sectors with clear advantages and development potential, avoiding inefficiency and waste. These include technological solutions for pressing national issues such as resource efficiency, environmental protection, climate change adaptation, high-tech agriculture, food security, human health sciences, and Industry 4.0. Efforts should focus on advancing digital transformation, especially implementing Project No. 06 [on developing resident data, electronic identification, and authentication applications to serve national digital transformation in the 2022-2025 period, with a vision to 2030] and developing the national data center.

By 2025, ensure 100 per cent of business-related administrative procedures are conducted online, seamlessly and efficiently, and that none are restricted by provincial administrative boundaries. Accelerate data connectivity and sharing in critical areas such as population, justice, education, banking, taxation, insurance, enterprises, land, and vehicles. The national data center must be completed with data that is “accurate, sufficient, clean, and real-time”, serving as the driver of comprehensive digital transformation and laying the foundation for the digital economy and modern production forces for 2026-2030, in line with the objectives of Politburo Resolution No. 57.

Eighth, strengthen international cooperation and leverage global knowledge

Promote research cooperation and technology transfer with advanced countries, particularly in fields such as AI, biotechnology, semiconductors, and renewable energy. Actively participate in shaping international standards, starting within ASEAN, through initiatives like the Hanoi Convention.

Vietnam must learn how to “stand on the shoulders of giants”. Attract investment from major technology corporations, create opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises to integrate into global value chains, encourage technology transfer, and enhance its ability to learn, absorb, master, and innovate upon global knowledge and technologies.