Hanoi secures top place in national innovation ranking for a third year

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi has topped Vietnam's Provincial Innovation Index (PII) for a third consecutive year in 2025, a result that strengthens the city as a leader in driving socio-economic development through innovation. 

The capital secured the top spot with 18 out of 52 indicators ranking highest nationwide. The runners-up in this year's PII edition were Ho Chi Minh City, Quang Ninh, Haiphong and Hue.

Ho Chi Minh City maintained its second-place ranking for the third straight year, excelling in infrastructure and topping 13 indicators.

The northern province of Quang Ninh advanced to the top three this year after being ranked at the 10th position in the 2023 and 2024 PII rankings. The province led in seven indicators.

The index provides a comprehensive picture of local innovation-driven socio-economic development, identifying each locality’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential.

It also serves as a scientific and practical basis for policymakers and local leaders to chart tailored strategies for growth through science, technology, and innovation.

The 2025 PII results were announced at the National Innovation Day, part of the Vietnam International Innovation Expo (VIIE 2025), held from October 1-3 at the National Innovation Centre (NIC) in Hanoi’s Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park, with the attendance of Party General Secretary To Lam.

In his keynote address, the general secretary said that innovation is a continuous process of improvement rather than a destination.

“The spirit of innovation lies in daring to think beyond limits, taking on the toughest challenges and to open new paths where none exist,” he said.

General Secretary To Lam called on the international community to support Vietnam in three areas: sharing technical expertise and experience, providing financial resources and technology transfer and helping startups connect to global markets and value chains.

The Party chief expressed his hope that Vietnam’s young generations will become pioneers of innovation in every field and circumstance, racing against time to advance the nation’s intellectual strength.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung, Vietnam maintained its 44th position out of 139 economies in the 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII). The country was also recognized as one of the nine fastest-improving middle-income nations since 2013.

Vietnam’s innovation input index climbed three places. Within the region, Vietnam has surpassed Thailand and is approaching Singapore and Malaysia.

According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, Vietnam’s startup and innovation ecosystem continued to make its mark globally in 2025. The country ranked 55th among the world’s top 100 most dynamic startup ecosystems.

The three major hubs - Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang - were all listed among the world’s top 1,000 innovation cities, with Danang making a remarkable jump of 130 places compared to last year.

The three-day event also featured the Innovation Policy Forum under the theme “Innovation: Shaping Policy, Driving Implementation to Achieve Double-Digit Economic Growth”, chaired by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The forum highlighted breakthrough policies and model frameworks and offered an open platform for policymakers, experts, businesses and investors to share strategies on advancing innovation.

Besides, the Vietnam International Innovation Expo 2025 gathered hundreds of technology companies, research institutes and startups from countries including the US, Germany, France and Japan and is expected to attract over 40,000 visitors.

The exhibition highlighted new products and technologies across 11 priority sectors outlined in the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1131 dated June 12, 2025.

A high-level forum on “Promoting Innovation and Developing Strategic Technologies” will also take place, with the participation of global tech giants such as NVIDIA, Qualcomm and Meta.

Discussions will center on semiconductors, AI, quantum technology, cybersecurity and aerospace, linking Vietnamese enterprises with the global innovation network and fostering collaboration and technology transfer.

In addition, the program will host specialized workshops and side events such as a seminar on high-quality workforce development and STEM education, the launch of the 2026 National VEX Robotics Championship, recognition of Vietnamese teams excelling at international STEM competitions and interactive experiences including electric vehicle test drives, STEM activities for students, and the Better Choice Awards honoring outstanding innovative products.