Cover The Vietnam R&D Forum 2025 has officially opened in Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s ambition to strengthen its position within the global innovation ecosystem

The Vietnam R&D Forum 2025 has officially opened in Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s ambition to strengthen its position within the global innovation ecosystem.

The event, organised by the Association of Vietnamese Scientists and Experts Global (AVSE Global) in collaboration with the People’s Committee of Ninh Binh province, brought together around 100 leading scientists and experts from Vietnam and abroad, alongside policymakers and business leaders.

Themed “Advancing Vietnam’s Future through Strategic R&D Investment”, the forum seeks to shape an effective national R&D strategy built on international collaboration and forward-thinking policies, enabling a decisive shift towards a knowledge-driven economy. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duc Khuong, Chairman of AVSE Global, underscored the role of R&D as a catalyst for national breakthroughs, stressing that the forum prioritises practical solutions, translating global expertise into actionable steps that fit Vietnam’s unique context. The aim is to embed R&D into daily life and empower Vietnamese enterprises to expand their reach on the world stage.

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Above The forum took place at a time when Vietnam is undergoing rapid transformation, identifying science, technology, innovation and digital transformation as the pillars of its development strategy

The forum took place at a time when Vietnam is undergoing rapid transformation, identifying science, technology, innovation and digital transformation as the pillars of its development strategy. Mr. Nguyen Trung Kien, Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the vital role of these elements in shaping the nation’s new economic model. The target of increasing R&D investment to 2 per cent of GDP by 2030, a substantial leap from the current 0.43 per cent (2021), reflects a strategic determination to build a knowledge-led and innovation-driven economy. Research indicates that a 1 per cent rise in R&D investment could contribute up to 2.83 per cent to real GDP growth, illustrating the tangible returns of investment in this sector.

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Above Research indicates that a 1 per cent rise in R&D investment could contribute up to 2.83 per cent to real GDP growth
Tatler Asia
Above Research indicates that a 1 per cent rise in R&D investment could contribute up to 2.83 per cent to real GDP growth

However, Vietnam still contends with significant challenges. The R&D ecosystem remains underdeveloped, with weak links between universities and businesses, untapped global talent, and a notable gap in technological mastery. Speakers at the forum stressed that innovation should not be treated as a passing trend, but must be grounded in Vietnam’s realities, fostering trust and transparency. Investment in R&D should align with the “national mission”, going beyond patent creation to serve the country’s broader development goals. Businesses are encouraged not only to acquire knowledge but also to generate it, thereby enhancing national innovation capacity.

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Above Businesses are encouraged not only to acquire knowledge but also to generate it, thereby enhancing national innovation capacity
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Above Ms. Nikita Chu, Editor-in-Chief of Tatler Vietnam at Vietnam R&D Forum 2025

Three central topics took centre stage at the forum:

  • Vietnam R&D Roadmap 2025-2030: Focus on financial incentives, building domestic and international expert networks, and fostering robust collaboration between industry and academia, with particular emphasis on the commercialisation of research outcomes.
  • National policy framework on R&D: Proposals to establish a National R&D Council, introduce policies for talent remuneration, and create tax credit schemes alongside incentives for businesses investing in R&D.
  • Sectoral Investment Action Plan: Development of specialised R&D economic zones, provision of initial investment support, professional training programmes, dedicated investment funds, and venture capital support mechanisms.
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Above Ms. Nikita Chu, Editor-in-Chief of Tatler Vietnam at Vietnam R&D Forum 2025
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Above The forum serves as a pivotal stage for advancing interdisciplinary, inter-regional, and international collaboration in research and development

Vietnam R&D Forum 2025 sets out five core objectives: establishing long-term mechanisms for R&D cooperation; accelerating the transfer and commercialisation of research outcomes; creating a national R&D strategy rooted in practical initiatives; positioning Vietnam as an emerging R&D hub within ASEAN; and building a dynamic, integrated, and sustainable innovation ecosystem. More than a discussion platform, the forum serves as a pivotal stage for advancing interdisciplinary, inter-regional, and international collaboration in research and development, paving the way towards Vietnam’s goal of becoming a developed, high-income nation by 2045.

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