Hanoi gets bold vision for growth with Resolution 57 on science and technology

THE HANOI TIMES — The Politburo’s Resolution No. 57 identifies science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the main drivers of Vietnam’s rapid and sustainable development.

Nguyen Huu Xuyen, Acting Deputy Director of the Vietnam Institute of Science and Technology Strategy under the Ministry of Science and Technology shared with Hanoimoi Newspaper his views on turning this vision into action, the resolution’s key breakthroughs, and Hanoi’s role in leading the national innovation ecosystem.

How should Vietnam turn the vision embedded in Resolution No. 57 into action in the digital era?

Science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation must be at the core of Vietnam’s policy planning, directly tied to socio-economic development, defense, security, and environmental protection.

This requires a flexible and transparent policy framework that creates the legal foundation for new business models powered by technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and biotechnology.

At the same time, Vietnam must strengthen digital infrastructure, including cloud platforms and 5G and 6G networks, while investing in strategic technologies that drive the digital economy.

The actions also include controlled policy experiments (sandboxes) in strategic sectors where Vietnam has competitive advantages.

The government should encourage businesses, research institutes, and universities to collaborate, produce and commercialize their products, thus strengthening national competitiveness.

Another key task is to mobilize all resources for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Opportunities are emerging from new technology waves, new business models, and the shift of global value chains, where Vietnam can break through if it masters core and strategic technologies.

But challenges remain such as the risk of falling behind in technological development, brain drain, dependence on imported technologies, and widening digital gaps across social groups.

To turn opportunities into reality, Vietnam must develop high-quality human resources, especially in strategic technologies, complete a national innovation ecosystem that supports startups and protects intellectual property, and build a culture of innovation along with a safe digital environment that ensures cybersecurity and data privacy.

If these tasks are deployed in sync, science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation will drive Vietnam to catch up with the world, even lead in certain fields.

What makes Resolution No. 57 different from previous policies?

Resolution No. 57 marks a major shift in Vietnam’s approach to science and technology.

Unlike earlier policies that focused mainly on research and single technologies, the resolution views science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as one unified whole, the main driver of rapid and sustainable growth.

Its breakthrough lies in prioritizing institutional reform, creating a flexible legal framework that enables new business models, emerging technologies, and policy sandboxes.

The resolution also addresses the importance of a robust science and technology market, intellectual property, standards, quality measurement, and nuclear safety as essential pillars to strengthen Vietnam’s national innovation capacity and global competitiveness.

What key factors should be prioritized to ensure Resolution No. 57 takes effect as quick as possible?

To bring Resolution No. 57 to life quickly and effectively, there are four core factors.

First, bold reforms should clear legal barriers and empower businesses, universities, and research institutes to innovate, with investment focused on digital infrastructures, key labs, and innovation hubs.

Equally important is fostering a vibrant science and technology market by putting research outcomes up for sale, valuing intellectual property, and linking with international markets.

At the core of all this is talent. We must attract and retain high-quality human resources, including overseas Vietnamese and international experts.

To make these priorities work in practice, regular assessments of policy impact and strong public-private partnerships are essential to mobilize resources, especially from the business sector.

Finally, building digital trust through robust cybersecurity, personal data protection, and transparent technology transactions will be critical to sustain progress.

What should Hanoi do to implement Resolution No. 57 and become a national hub for science, technology, and innovation?

First, Hanoi needs to strengthen institutions and infrastructure, pioneering sandboxes for flexible testing of new technologies and business models.

At the same time, the city should invest in high-tech parks, interdisciplinary research centers, and advanced laboratories in priority areas such as AI, biotechnology, new materials, and clean energy.

Developing connected digital infrastructures, including open databases, cloud platforms, and big data services, will be crucial to foster collaboration across the ecosystem.

Second, Hanoi should be a launchpad for talent and innovation funds by linking businesses, universities, and research institutes, while offering startups incentives in tax, credit, and venture capital.

Attracting international experts, overseas Vietnamese talent, and global technology corporations, along with hosting major innovation events, will strengthen Hanoi’s position as a true, leading initiative incubator.

One of the biggest barriers to science and technology is the gap between research and real-world application. How can Vietnam turn research into real drivers of growth?

To turn research results into real growth drivers, Hanoi must strengthen the links between research and market needs, not just academia.

“Research orders” from businesses and agencies would align studies with real needs, while nationwide digital platforms could make research outputs easier to share and trade.

Combined with trade promotion, investment linkages, and intellectual property protection, this would accelerate the transfer of innovations into production and daily life.

Second, the city should develop a clear framework to push companies, research insitutes and schools to commercialize their technologies with fair benefit-sharing. This framework should ensure researchers and institutes profit when their work is applied.

Venture and corporate funds should co-finance commercialization, while university startup centers help move research to large-scale production, bringing about economic benefits.

Finally, Hanoi needs to focus on talent development and recruitment, and facilitation of a testing environment. Scientists need to acquire new knowledge and skills in business management, project management, technology transfer, and product commercialization.

Controlled policy sandboxes for emerging technologies should be expanded to enable technology developers to test their ideas in real markets with reduced legal risks.

Last but not least, linking hi-tech parks, incubators, and pilot production zones will create the right ecosystem to shorten the path from lab to market, turning science into a true engine of economic growth.

Thank you for your time!