The Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, dated December 22, 2024, on science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation is being turned into practical initiatives. Strategic technologies are being promoted to strengthen national technological capabilities, support growth and develop widely applicable products and solutions.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the Centres of Excellence scheme provides long-term funding for research into advanced materials, semiconductor chips, sensors, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, digital transformation and the green transition.
The Advanced Materials Technology Institute at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City received 85 billion VND, or 3.27 million USD, for research, publications, patents and applications in energy, the environment and healthcare.
The institute’s deputy director, Associate Professor Doan Le Hoang Tan, said the five-year investment would allow researchers to complete projects, transfer technologies and apply advanced materials technologies in practice.
The Research and Development Centre at Saigon Hi-Tech Park received nearly 96 billion VND to develop into a centre of excellence in digital transformation and the green transition. It is working on semiconductor chip fabrication and sensor manufacturing integrated with AI and IoT to develop smart sensor networks. Its green-transition research covers environmentally friendly materials, functional foods and fuel cells.
Ho Chi Minh City is also prioritising infrastructure, human resources, international cooperation, technology transfer and the commercialisation of research results.
In Da Nang, Resolution No. 33/2026/NQ-HDND provides businesses with up to 3 billion VND per year for technological innovation, covering a maximum of two projects per business. For strategic projects involving semiconductors, AI, IoT, digital twins and robotics, equipment costs can be supported at 50%, rising to 70% for projects with technology transfer contracts.
Le Thi Thuc, deputy director of the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology, said the policy should encourage businesses to invest more in research, application and innovation. The city hopes to reduce initial financial barriers by sharing the costs of research, testing, technology transfer and investment.
Digital services reach local communities
In Minh Ngoc commune, Tuyen Quang province, local officials help residents use online public services and electronic identification applications. Internet access is limited in some highland villages, so youth union members, police officers, village heads and respected residents guide people, especially older residents, through the services. Officials return to provide further help.
After more than a year, the commune Public Administration Service Centre had received nearly 3,000 applications, of which only eight were submitted in person. The digitisation rate for incoming dossiers reached 99.91%, all processing results were digitised, and the centre scored 97.7 out of 100 in the public service performance index.
In border areas of Nghe An province, the border guard service has introduced QR codes at community centres and public gathering points. Residents can submit reports, photographs or information about suspected offences through an anonymous electronic mailbox. Border guards receive, classify, verify and handle the information in accordance with regulations.
The model, including its implementation at the Chau Khe Border Guard Station, helps residents report crime and helps officers monitor local conditions and respond more quickly to incidents. It also gives residents experience using digital tools.
These experiences show that science, technology and digital transformation should be judged by the tangible benefits they bring to people, not only by the number of projects, devices or platforms created. When resources are directed towards the right priorities, research institutions and businesses strengthen their technological capabilities while residents in cities and disadvantaged areas gain easier access to digital services. This puts the objectives of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW into practice.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
