National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence: Institutional Advances in Governance of New Technologies

When the Draft Law on Artificial Intelligence was published for comments, one point that attracted special attention was that the National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence was stipulated in the Law. This is not just an action plan, but a legal commitment that demonstrates the State's vision in creating an independent, autonomous digital future with Vietnamese identity.

Instead of issuing a strategy first and then making laws, Vietnam has chosen to "legalize the vision", putting the strategy into law to ensure consistency, sustainability and specific enforcement mechanisms. This approach affirms that artificial intelligence is not just a technology field, but a central driving force of the knowledge economy , linked to national security, culture and social development.

According to the Draft, the State will develop and implement the National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence to provide comprehensive and long-term orientation for the development and application of AI, serving the socio-economy, ensuring national defense and security. The Prime Minister will promulgate the National Strategy and Action Program, directly direct its implementation, and periodically review and update it every three years to adapt to the pace of change in technology and the global market.

This strategy is considered the "backbone" of the entire AI Law, because it covers all fundamental elements: from technology, human resources, institutions to international cooperation and ethics in using AI. The goal is to form a unified ecosystem where technology develops but is not separated from people and social values.

The first focus of the Strategy is to master Vietnam's AI platform model, especially large language models and generative AI trained on Vietnamese data, reflecting cultural, legal and social characteristics. This is an important step to ensure data sovereignty and national digital identity in the context of global models increasingly dominating users' behavior, perception and information.

Along with mastering core technology, the Strategy emphasizes the development and application of AI in areas where Vietnam has advantages or urgent needs: Public administration, healthcare, education, agriculture, finance, transportation, etc. Instead of pursuing costly races in computing power, Vietnam chooses a practical direction, AI serving people, linked to life and serving sustainable development.

Another key content is to build a national AI infrastructure including high-performance computing capacity, data centers, open data warehouses and secure connection infrastructure. Along with that, developing high-quality AI human resources and popularizing AI knowledge throughout society are considered decisive factors, helping Vietnam not only use technology but also master, innovate and develop technology in its own direction.

The law also emphasizes the public-private partnership model as a key mechanism to mobilize social resources. The State plays a guiding role and creates a legal corridor, while businesses, research institutes and universities are the creative and implementing forces. The AI ​​ecosystem will only truly develop when there is an intersection between policy, market and knowledge.

Internationally, Vietnam aims to proactively participate in shaping global standards and governance frameworks on AI, instead of just accepting technology. This demonstrates a new stance, not standing outside the technology game, but participating in the process of creating a global digital order with the courage and responsibility of a sovereign nation.

According to regulations, the Ministry of Science and Technology is assigned a core role in announcing and updating the List of AI technologies prioritized for development, guiding ministries, branches and localities to integrate AI goals into development planning and plans. This approach helps the strategy not only stay on paper, but also permeate every field, every locality and every activity of economic and social life.

The regulation of the National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence in the Law is an institutional step forward, demonstrating Vietnam's long-term vision and determination in the technological era. This is a combination of the rule of law, science and the desire for innovation, laying the foundation for AI to not only be a tool, but also become an endogenous force to promote growth, ensure digital sovereignty and create an independent and autonomous future for the country.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/chien-luoc-quoc-gia-ve-tri-tue-nhan-tao-buoc-tien-the-che-trong-quan-tri-cong-nghe-moi-19725102619582822.htm