Accelerating the commercialization of research outcomes

Improving the quality of science and technology enterprises

The resolution has introduced new mechanisms, policies and key programs to advance science, technology, innovation and digital transformation. However, a gap remains between the policy framework and the commercialization of research outcomes, underscoring the need to bring scientific achievements into practical application to create greater economic value and drive growth.

Science and technology enterprises remain a key driver of the country's innovation capacity. Although their number has grown rapidly, there is still considerable room to strengthen their quality and technological capabilities.

According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, Vietnam has more than 81,000 enterprises operating in science, technology and innovation. These include more than 78,000 digital technology enterprises, nearly 1,900 research and development (R&D) enterprises, more than 500 innovative startups, 260 science and technology enterprises, and 32 high-tech enterprises.

The figures show that while the innovation ecosystem has expanded rapidly, the number of enterprises engaged in core technology development, research and development, and innovation remains limited.

The private sector accounts for more than 92% of all enterprises, while FDI enterprises account for more than 7%. State-owned enterprises make up only a small share.

The figures underscore the need to further strengthen the technological capabilities of private enterprises while enhancing technology transfer and closer links between foreign-invested and domestic enterprises.

At the same time, policies to develop a highly skilled workforce continue to be refined. Mechanisms to attract experts, scientists and talented professionals in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation are being expanded through policies on salaries, incentives, research support and the development of leading research teams.

STEM education has also recorded positive results, with more than 771,000 registers, accounting for nearly 30% of total higher education enrolment.

Promoting AI and the data economy

Promoting artificial intelligence (AI), the data economy and smart cities has become a key focus in implementing Resolution No. 57.

Vietnam has continued to improve its legal framework for digital transformation and AI, providing a foundation for the development of AI products and services. Many central and local government agencies have adopted AI for document processing, data analysis, image recognition, forecasting and public service delivery.

Major companies including Viettel, VNPT, VinAI and Zalo are developing Vietnamese large language models. Meanwhile, FPT is partnering with NVIDIA to build an AI factory and develop generative AI products.

Data platforms have been introduced across healthcare, banking, transport, taxation and social security. However, the data market remains at an early stage of development. Opening data, valuing data assets, developing data enterprises and creating data-driven products have yet to generate clear economic value.

According to the Central Steering Committee, open data and data interoperability will become important drivers of growth in the coming years if the legal framework and mechanisms for data utilization are completed.

At the same time, Vietnam's high-tech parks and smart cities continue to make progress. Many localities are implementing large-scale projects linked to innovation and digital technology, while smart cities are gradually introducing integrated management systems using digital data and AI in transport, healthcare, urban planning and public service delivery.

Hai Phong News