Hanoi (VNA) – The Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, issued on December 22, 2024, on breakthroughs in science – technology development, innovation and national digital transformation is charting key directions for Vietnam’s emerging sci-tech ecosystem.
Research foundation for technology ecosystem
Prof. Dr Nguyen Van Noi, scientific advisor to the key lab for advanced materials in green development and former Rector of the University of Science under the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, said the resolution sets sci-tech development goals while creating momentum for research facilities to boost innovation capabilities and gradually lay technological groundwork for digital transformation and broader socio-economic progress.
Guided by these orientations, the University of Science has been steadily building a relatively strong research ecosystem, with key laboratories serving as focal points for research, technology development and quality talent training.
Noi pointed to concrete gains: The university published 647 international scientific papers last year. On the intellectual property (IP) front, it secured 10 patents and saw 64 valid IP applications accepted over the same period.
Vietnam's sci-tech sector must evolve from a manufacturing base toward mastering technologies and ultimately developing original products independently, he said. That requires shifting away from outsourcing and assembly models to one where domestic scientists lead in design, development and ownership of core technologies.
Achieving this demands that flagship laboratories and university research groups should sustain their focus on foundational technology while deepening ties with top global research centres and scientists, the expert opined.
In recent years, he went on, research groups at the University of Science, including the key lab for advanced materials in green development, have delivered notable results. Beyond fundamental research, the lab is advancing applied technologies with real-world relevance, especially in those related to green and sustainable development.
A critical next step is repositioning key laboratories as connectors among scientists, businesses and policymakers. Tighter integration would accelerate the transfer of research outputs into production, closing the persistent divide between laboratory findings and commercial application.
At the policy level, the ongoing refinement of strategic technology policies is creating supportive conditions for university research. Prior to the issuance of new orientations, the PM signed several decisions pinpointing priority technology sectors. Decision No. 1131, in particular, identifies 11 strategic technology groups and 35 strategic technology product groups, giving universities and labs a basis to build long-term research plans and concentrate resources on high-potential areas.
These advances are opening up opportunities for technology companies to engage more intensively in applying and commercialising scientific outputs, thus shaping technological platforms that underpin governance and economic expansion, Noi said.
Technology firms help with shaping digital infrastructure
Pham Van Tho, Chairman of the Vietnam Anti-Counterfeiting Technology JSC (ACTIV), said Resolution 57 clearly maps Vietnam's technological path ahead. By 2030, the country targets modern digital infrastructure and progressive mastery of core technologies, including artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, big data, cloud computing, blockchain, semiconductors and electronics.
ACTIV has rolled out its TrueData traceability solution, paired with a product authentication system that manages data end-to-end across supply chains. The platform rests on three pillars: RFID chips for product identification and data storage, AI for supply chain data collection and analysis, and blockchain to guarantee tamper-resistant, transparent traceability records.
Designed as an open platform, it can integrate with the National Traceability Portal, enabling regulators, companies and consumers to verify product details seamlessly once connectivity is in place, according to Tho.
Looking forward, wider rollout of traceability technologies is considered vital, especially in agriculture, food and export sectors facing rising global requirements for transparency.
To make it effective, he noted, stronger cooperation in digital infrastructure between the State and enterprises is needed. The State can focus on building standards and regulatory frameworks while enterprises deliver technology solutions and services based on these foundations.
Standardising data and technical standards is equally critical to ensure interoperability among technological systems. With unified standards in place, domestic firms will gain stronger footing to build solutions compatible with the national digital infrastructure, Tho said./.
