Hanoi (VNA) - As science and technology, innovation and digital transformation have increasingly become intertwined with growth objectives, many localities across Vietnam are moving beyond policy declarations to concrete actions, viewing these areas as strategic tools to restructure the economy, improve labour productivity and create new drivers of growth.
Shifting development mindset under Resolution 57
Among the localities taking proactive steps, Quang Ninh province has emerged as a notable example of determination to make science and technology, innovation and digital transformation central pillars of economic development. The province has set a target of achieving double-digit growth during the 2026–2030 period, with a goal of 13% growth in 2026 alone.
To support these ambitions, Quang Ninh has allocated nearly 1.19 trillion VND (45 million USD) for science and technology, innovation and digital transformation in 2026. The province is also implementing 51 ongoing science and technology projects with clear commitments to practical application.
Notably, it has publicly announced nine major science and technology challenges, inviting research institutions and businesses to jointly develop solutions. The approach reflects a significant shift in development mindset.
Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Quan Minh Cuong stressed that digital transformation should not merely involve the application of technology in governance, but must become a new development model and a key growth engine for the province in the coming years.
A similar transition is underway in Khanh Hoa province. Under its development orientation to 2030 with a vision towards 2045, the province aims to become a smart urban area, an international marine tourism and services hub, and a growth pole for the south central coastal and Central Highlands regions.
To achieve this, Khanh Hoa has identified the need to shift towards a development model based on knowledge, data, technology and innovation. The provincial People’s Committee is implementing plans to assess industrial technological capacity and develop a technology roadmap through 2035.
Strengthening state-university-enterprise partnership
Another notable trend in the implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57 on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation is the growing focus on data infrastructure, artificial intelligence and the cooperation model involving the State, research institutes/universities and businesses.
In Hanoi, the model is being promoted through the Hanoi Innovation Centre, where government agencies, universities and technology enterprises are jointly developing an innovation ecosystem. Participants include the Ministry of Public Security’s Department for Administrative Management of Social Order (C06), the Hanoi Department of Science and Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, FPT Corporation and MK Group.
The partners are cooperating in operating innovation spaces, organising incubation and training programmes, exhibitions and the commercialisation of scientific and technological products. Hanoi is also expanding cooperation with universities, research institutes and international partners to modernise its innovation ecosystem and strengthen the connection between research, market demand and technology transfer.
At the “Tech Cafe Quang Ninh 2026” event, four memoranda of understanding on research, technology transfer and commercialisation were signed between the Institute of Chemistry under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and local enterprises. The province also launched techhub.quangninh.gov.vn platform to connect businesses with the innovation ecosystem.
In Dak Lak province, authorities have piloted the model to support the development of key local products. Collaborative projects include diversifying products derived from Dak Lak durian and researching medicinal products from avocado leaves to support treatment of stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
Experiences from localities nationwide show that Resolution 57 is fostering a marked transformation in development mindset. Science and technology, innovation and digital transformation are increasingly becoming foundational drivers of economic growth and opening new development space for localities in the years ahead./.
