Vietnam targets 12 science and technology researchers per 10,000 people by 2030 under revised science, technology and innovation strategy

By 2030, Vietnam aims to build a research and development (R&D) workforce (full-time equivalent) of 12 per 10,000 people, while ensuring at least 50 science and technology organizations are ranked regionally and globally. Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung has signed Decision No. 604/QD-TTg approving amendments to the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation Development through 2030.

Strategy goals through 2030

The amended strategy is designed to make science, technology and innovation development the main driver of economic growth, with targets to raise productivity, improve growth quality and strengthen national competitiveness. It also seeks to expand Vietnam’s capacity to master and develop core and strategic technologies, supporting national technological self-reliance.

Key quantitative targets include:

• High-tech exports: By 2030, the share of exports of high-tech products in total export value should reach at least 50%.
• Global Innovation Index: Vietnam’s ranking should continue to improve, aiming to be among the world’s top 40 countries.
• R&D investment: Total social investment in R&D should reach at least 2% of GDP, with more than 60% coming from non-state sources.
• Public spending: At least 2% of total national budget expenditure should be allocated annually to science, technology and innovation development, increasing over time as needs expand.
• R&D workforce: R&D workforce (full-time equivalent) should reach 12 per 10,000 people.
• Science and technology organizations: At least 50 science and technology organizations should be ranked regionally and globally.
• Scientific output: The number of international scientific publications should grow by about 10% per year.
• Patents and commercialization: Patent filings and patent rights registrations should grow by about 16–18% per year, with the commercialization rate reaching 8–10%.
• Technology enterprises: At least 5–10 regional-scale technology enterprises should be formed in strategic technology fields.

Core development tasks

The strategy sets out six key tasks to develop science, technology and innovation:

1. Implement programs and tasks to develop strategic technologies and strategic technology products.
2. Develop science and technology sectors that underpin innovation.
3. Develop science and technology infrastructure, innovation infrastructure, and national data infrastructure.
4. Develop science and technology organizations and high-quality human resources.
5. Build the innovation system, startup ecosystem, technology enterprises, science and technology markets, and intellectual property assets.
6. Proactively integrate and promote science, technology and innovation diplomacy.

Breakthrough solutions and governance

To achieve these objectives, the strategy proposes breakthrough solutions focused on institutional reforms and management mechanisms for science, technology and innovation. It also calls for financing mechanisms and resource mobilization, alongside enforcement of oversight, evaluation and adjustment mechanisms for the strategy.

Effective date and replacement

The decision takes effect from the signing date and replaces Decision No. 569/QD-TTg dated 11 May 2022, issued by the Prime Minister on the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation Development through 2030.