Commissioning 'big projects', accelerating the development of strategic technologies.

(Chinhphu.vn) - The new approach to implementing strategic technologies involves a strong shift from a decentralized research mindset to a "national-level problem-solving" approach. Accordingly, strategic technology tasks will have clearly defined output objectives, technical specifications, specific products, application areas, and participating enterprises from the outset; while simultaneously linking research with commercialization and practical implementation capabilities.

Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan speaks at the ceremony celebrating Vietnam Science, Technology and Innovation Day and the Conference on the Implementation of Strategic Technologies - Photo: VGP/Thu Giang

On May 18th, in Hanoi, the Ministry of Science and Technology organized a program to celebrate Vietnam's Science, Technology and Innovation Day, and simultaneously launched the Strategic Technology Conference – an event considered an important concrete step in implementing Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo and Decision No. 21/QD-TTg dated April 30, 2026, of the Prime Minister on the List of National Strategic Technologies and Strategic Technology Products.

The overarching message of the conference was that Vietnam cannot continue to follow the path of "following behind and applying" but must gradually master core technologies, foundational technologies, and intellectual property in key sectors, thereby creating new growth drivers and enhancing national competitiveness in the long term.

From decentralized research to solving the "big national problem"

Accordingly, Vietnam prioritizes the development of core technologies, foundational technologies, and strategic products capable of creating breakthroughs in growth, competitiveness, and national self-reliance.

Priority areas include AI, Big Data, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, semiconductor technology, blockchain, next-generation biotechnology, quantum technology, UAVs, and Make in Vietnam platforms.

A notable point is the dramatic shift in implementation approach. Instead of the previously scattered and dispersed research, strategic technology tasks will be organized into "national big problems," clearly defining output objectives, application areas, technical specifications, and participating businesses from the outset.

Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan stated that the Ministry is continuing to improve the institutional framework by adopting controlled risk management, expanding autonomy mechanisms for science and technology organizations, reforming financial mechanisms, and developing the science and technology market.

One of the major changes is the restructuring of the national science and technology program system. Accordingly, the current 42 programs are expected to be reorganized into 6 major programs, including basic research, national science and technology, strategic technology, innovation, digital transformation, and enhancing science and technology potential.

In this context, the strategic technology development program is identified as playing a particularly important role in focusing resources on areas with significant spillover effects and directly related to the country's technological self-reliance.

The Ministry of Science and Technology also aims to build a unified governance model on a digital platform through the National Science and Technology Management Platform, connecting data on research tasks, support funds, scientific staff, capital sources, and technology transfer activities nationwide.

Professor Bui The Duy, Director of Hanoi National University, delivered his remarks at the conference - Photo: VGP/TG

"The direction is clear; the remaining issue is action."

From the university's perspective, Associate Professor Bui The Duy, Director of Hanoi National University, stated that at this point, the strategic direction for technology development is very clear; institutional obstacles are gradually being removed, and resources are also being prepared.

"The issue now is no longer about continuing discussions, but about taking action. If research institutes, universities, and businesses don't immediately begin concrete tasks, they won't be able to create products," he emphasized.

According to Mr. Bui The Duy, Hanoi National University has restructured its training programs towards basic research to master strategic technologies; at the same time, it has restructured its research institute system according to a model of close cooperation with businesses, referencing the model of the Vietnam-Korea Institute of Science and Technology.

The university is currently implementing a strategic technology plan in three phases. The long-term focus is on training human resources and developing basic research so that by 2035 Vietnam can possess its own technologies.

In the medium term, Hanoi National University will collaborate with ministries and agencies to address practical problems.

In the short term, more than 50 strong research groups were mobilized to address tasks requiring immediate results within six months.

Associate Professor Bui The Duy proposed that the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Finance should soon implement a block funding mechanism – a policy that has been institutionalized in the Law on Science and Technology and its guiding decrees.

According to him, this mechanism is not about allocating the entire budget at once, but rather shifting from managing research based on detailed content to evaluating the research team's capabilities, reputation, and commitment to output.

Labor Hero Tran Manh Bao, Chairman of ThaiBinh Seed, expressed his opinion at the Conference - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Businesses become centers for the commercialization of technology.

From the perspective of a technology company, Mr. Nguyen Trong Khang, Chairman of MK Group, believes that future national competitiveness will no longer depend on access to technology but on the level of self-reliance in core technologies, production, and intellectual property.

According to him, the nation's "big challenges" are creating an environment where businesses can build up their workforce, develop research capabilities, perfect production technology, and establish their own intellectual property.

Businesses propose the need for a strategic technology procurement mechanism that prioritizes the endogenous capabilities of Vietnamese enterprises; the establishment of a long-term investment mechanism and risk acceptance for high-tech research and development; the promotion of linkages between enterprises and research institutes and universities; and support for Vietnamese technology enterprises to participate in the international market.

Meanwhile, Labor Hero Tran Manh Bao, Chairman of ThaiBinh Seed, believes that without mastering core technologies and fostering innovation, Vietnamese agriculture will struggle to compete in the context of globalization and climate change.

ThaiBinh Seed is currently investing heavily in molecular biotechnology, genetic engineering, AI, and big data in plant breeding.

According to Mr. Tran Manh Bao, it is necessary to establish long-term investment funds for strategic technologies in agriculture; allow testing of new technologies under a more flexible mechanism; and promote the linkage of the "four stakeholders," in which businesses must become the center for technology application and commercialization.

Lieutenant General Dang Hong Duc, Deputy Minister of Public Security, delivered his remarks at the conference - Photo: VGP/TG

Developing national technological self-reliance

At the conference, Lieutenant General Dang Hong Duc, Deputy Minister of Public Security, stated that the Ministry of Public Security is accelerating the development of a self-reliant and self-sufficient security industry, gradually mastering strategic technologies that directly serve the work of ensuring security and order.

As assigned by the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Public Security will implement three major tasks: building a domestic cloud computing platform to serve national digital transformation; developing a cybersecurity platform for the national digital infrastructure; and developing UAVs along with a system for monitoring, detecting, and suppressing UAVs for dual-use purposes.

To implement this, the Ministry of Public Security will leverage the role of the National Security Industry Complex, mobilizing businesses, research institutions, and a team of experts to form a complete chain of research, design, manufacturing, testing, and production.

In 2026, the National Security Industry Complex aims to bring to market five dual-use security industry products and services belonging to strategic technology product groups, meeting national standards and targeting export.

Opinions expressed at the conference suggested that the current national technology strategy should not only aim to create new technological products but also to form an innovation ecosystem based on linkages between the State, research institutes, universities, and businesses.

In that ecosystem, businesses are identified as the center for technology application and commercialization; universities and research institutions are the creators of foundational knowledge and technology; and the State plays the role of institution builder, investment leader, and commissioner of major projects.

The simultaneous movement of all three pillars is expected to help Vietnam narrow the technology gap, gradually master strategic sectors, and create a foundation for knowledge-based growth in the new development phase.

Thu Giang

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/dat-hang-bai-toan-lon-tang-toc-phat-trien-cong-nghe-chien-luoc-102260518160906149.htm