At its October press briefing, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) announced that it has submitted plans to the Prime Minister to deploy four key strategic technology products starting October 31, with the remaining initiatives targeted for implementation by December.

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Ha Minh Hiep, Chief of the Office of MOST, highlighted several key policy breakthroughs made over the past nine months. These include significant regulatory reforms and the implementation of Resolution 57, which emphasizes the foundational role of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in Vietnam’s national development.

One major milestone was the release of the National Digital Architecture Framework, serving as a blueprint for ministries, agencies, and localities to build their own digital architectures. This aims to eliminate redundant investments and ensure systemic cohesion across all levels of government.

Additionally, the ministry has launched 84 national digital platforms, of which 28 are already being operated by various government entities. Many administrative procedures have now transitioned to online services, supporting more efficient two-level governance.

According to Mr. Hiep, the newly enacted Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation 2025 has addressed long-standing institutional and procedural barriers, including funding mechanisms, talent shortages, scientific information access, and procurement processes. It is expected to significantly enhance Vietnam’s innovation capacity.

A representative from the Department of Information Technology Industry shared that MOST is focusing on enabling domestic firms to master core technologies, promote R&D, and commercialize critical cybersecurity solutions.

The ministry has also submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister for the development of large-scale strategic technology enterprises. These entities would be tasked with advancing Vietnam’s digital infrastructure, talent pool, data systems, and cybersecurity sovereignty.

The initiative’s primary goals are to:

Build proactive cybersecurity capacity to protect critical infrastructure and personal data.
Ensure Vietnam’s digital sovereignty through homegrown tech solutions.
Develop a national cybersecurity center network for information sharing.
Create competitive cybersecurity products and services for both domestic and international markets.

To support this vision, MOST is implementing a “grand challenge” model: Ministries and agencies will define complex, high-priority problems, and enterprises will be tasked with developing solutions.

This dual-purpose approach allows businesses to both master key technologies and bring viable products to market. Major Vietnamese corporations will also be encouraged to invest in or adopt these homegrown technologies for operational use, creating strong domestic demand.

Mr. Bui Hoang Phuong, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, emphasized that these challenges are “not easy” and are designed to build national resilience and self-reliance.

“The government puts forward big, tough problems for Vietnamese companies to solve,” said Deputy Minister Phuong. “The State will support with funding or place direct orders.”

In June 2025, MOST released a list of 21 national-level "grand challenges" spanning various sectors - ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to infrastructure development and frontier technologies such as AI, blockchain, and 5G.

This effort reflects the ministry’s firm commitment to translating Resolution 57 into real-world innovation, positioning science, technology, and digital transformation as pillars of national growth.

Du Lam