Vietnam is making one of its biggest technology bets yet. The country has launched a long-term national strategy designed to strengthen its position in artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology, and quantum science. Unlike past efforts that often centered on short-term projects, this new approach focuses on steady investment, long-range planning, and building expertise that can last for decades.
The move signals a major shift in how Vietnam views innovation. Government leaders see advanced technology as more than an economic opportunity. They view it as a critical tool for boosting competitiveness, strengthening domestic capabilities, and creating new growth engines for the future. With clear targets extending to 2035, Vietnam is laying the groundwork for a more research-driven economy.
A New Era for Scientific Research
Approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology in May 2026, the program introduces a completely different funding model. Instead of supporting isolated projects for a few years, Vietnam will now back research efforts through five to ten-year investment cycles.
This change gives scientists more room to tackle complex problems that require patience and sustained effort. Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, semiconductor design, advanced materials, and quantum technology rarely happen overnight. Long-term support allows researchers to focus on meaningful discoveries rather than constantly searching for the next funding source.
The government has made its priorities crystal clear. Quantum technology, AI, semiconductors, and advanced materials sit at the center of the program. Officials believe these fields will provide the scientific foundation needed to master critical technologies and strengthen Vietnam’s long-term economic position.
The strategy also reflects a growing understanding that world-class innovation starts with strong basic research. Before companies can build products and industries can scale new technologies, researchers need time to explore fundamental scientific questions. Vietnam is now investing heavily in that first step.
Ambitious Goals for 2030 and Beyond
The targets attached to the program are anything but modest. By 2030, Vietnam aims to establish around 30 strong natural science research groups. At least three of these teams are expected to achieve leadership status within the region.
The ambitions grow even larger by 2035. Officials expect roughly 50 strong research groups to be operating across the country. At least 10 of them should have meaningful international influence and recognition within the global academic community.
Research quality is another major focus. Vietnam wants to significantly increase publications in top-ranked scientific journals. The goal is to double the rate of papers appearing in leading Q1 journals and improve performance in the Nature Index compared with the 2021 to 2025 period.
The government is also pushing for stronger links between laboratories and real-world applications. By 2035, at least 20 percent of research projects should produce results suitable for international patent registration or contribute directly to strategic technology products.
Building a National Technology Framework
Earlier this year, the Prime Minister approved a framework identifying ten strategic technology groups that will receive special attention and support.
Semiconductor chips rank among the highest priorities. So do cybersecurity, quantum technology, robotics, automation, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and big data. These sectors are increasingly viewed as essential building blocks of future economic growth.
The government reinforced this vision through another decision issued in May 2026. Officials identified 70 high technologies that will receive priority investment and development support. The list includes AI systems, high-performance computing technologies, blockchain solutions, and quantum technologies.
Alongside that list, authorities also identified 100 high-tech products that are encouraged for domestic development. Together, these measures create a coordinated strategy that connects research, investment, industrial policy, and commercialization.
New regulations linked to these technology priorities will take effect from July 1, 2026. They replace earlier frameworks introduced in 2020 and 2025.