Vietnam pushes to develop strategic tech firms

In an era increasingly shaped by technological innovation, Vietnam must gradually build greater technological self-reliance to keep pace with global trends and ensure sustainable development. This is a long-term challenge that will shape the country’s future competitiveness and requires close coordination among the State, businesses, scientists and the market.

Businesses visit an industrial automation exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City in June 2026. Photo: Vuong The

The policy of developing strategic and spearhead economic sectors alongside the formation of large-scale technology enterprises is expected to lay the foundation for Vietnam to gradually master, develop and commercialize critical strategic technologies.

Ambitious goals

The restructuring of global supply chains and intensifying competition in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, big data, cloud computing and cybersecurity have highlighted the need for Vietnam to cultivate enterprises capable of competing in strategic sectors.

To address this challenge, the Government has approved a national project to develop large-scale domestic strategic technology enterprises during the 2026–2030 period. The initiative aims to strengthen digital infrastructure, digital human resources, digital data, strategic technologies and cybersecurity capabilities. Under the project, Vietnam aims to establish at least 10 large-scale strategic technology enterprises by 2030, creating a strong foundation for future development.

Businesses visit an industrial automation exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City in June 2026.

These enterprises are expected to generate annual revenue of at least US$1 billion and employ an average of no fewer than 5,000 workers participating in social insurance. Each enterprise must establish at least one science and technology organization operating in accordance with regulations on science, technology and innovation applicable to digital technology enterprises. In addition, spending on research and development must account for at least 3 percent of total revenue. The enterprises must also hold at least one patent granted by one of the world’s five leading intellectual property offices: the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the European Patent Office (EPO), the Japan Patent Office (JPO), the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), or the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).

The objective is to develop large-scale strategic technology enterprises capable of mastering, developing and commercializing key strategic technologies while undertaking national priority tasks related to science and technology, innovation, digital transformation and technological sovereignty. The initiative also aims to place Vietnam among the top three countries in Southeast Asia in terms of AI research, development and application.

According to experts, the policy is well aligned with current technological development trends. It reflects a clear determination to build “national champions” in strategic technology sectors.

Industrial self-reliance has become a core requirement, making it essential for Vietnam to foster enterprises capable of conducting research, mastering and commercializing core technologies. Such enterprises would not only create new drivers of economic growth but also strengthen economic security and national competitiveness in the digital era.

Phi Anh Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Computer Association and Chairman and CEO of P.A.T Consulting Co., Ltd., noted that Vietnamese enterprises remain at a disadvantage compared with multinational corporations, with many still focusing on contract manufacturing and outsourcing rather than developing their own core technologies. Therefore, the new policies, if implemented effectively, could help accelerate the emergence of large-scale technology enterprises. However, appropriate support mechanisms will be essential, with the State playing a leading role through pilot programs, procurement initiatives and early-stage support to build confidence and create markets.

Like many other localities across the country, Dong Nai is developing a technology innovation roadmap through 2035 for its spearhead economic sectors. The roadmap identifies core technologies capable of generating breakthroughs and meeting both domestic and international market demands. Priority areas include AI, biotechnology and advanced healthcare technologies, renewable energy and green technologies, environmental technologies, semiconductors and integrated circuits, as well as technologies serving manufacturing and processing industries.

Prioritizing research and human resource development

Alongside the development of strategic technology enterprises, investment in research and human resource development must advance in parallel. At a meeting on June 23 regarding a project to develop research centers, testing facilities and key laboratories serving strategic technologies, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung urged the Ministry of Science and Technology to further review its objectives, targets and tasks. He emphasized the need to build a modern, integrated and interconnected national system of research infrastructure and key laboratories capable of supporting science and technology development and innovation in the new era. Particular priority should be given to strategic and spearhead technologies that can drive national development.

Experts agree that building large-scale technology corporations is an important step toward developing strategic technologies. However, sustainable breakthroughs cannot rely solely on a handful of leading enterprises. Vietnam must also develop a comprehensive innovation ecosystem nationwide.

In Dong Nai, high-quality human resources are considered a critical factor in attracting investment into key industries and sustaining long-term double-digit economic growth. The city has gradually introduced policies to support technological innovation, attract investment, develop human resources and strengthen collaboration among businesses, research institutes and educational institutions. Based on assessments of domestic and international technology trends and market demands, Dong Nai will propose solutions for cooperation, access, technology transfer, and mastery of advanced technologies suited to local capabilities.

Several educational institutions in the city have proactively responded to these opportunities by offering high-quality training programs aligned with market needs. One example is Lilama 2 International Technology College in Long Phuoc Commune, which has partnered with Bosch Vietnam Co., Ltd., a member of Germany’s Bosch Group, one of the world's leading providers of industrial technology and engineering solutions.

Meanwhile, Lac Hong University in Tran Bien ward has proactively invested in establishing a Semiconductor Center and has sent lecturers to Taiwan (China) and the United States for advanced training in integrated circuit design to build a core teaching staff in this field. The university has also received support from the National Innovation Center (NIC) to participate in short-term training programs on chip and semiconductor design organized by leading global technology corporations.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Vu Quynh, Vice Rector of Lac Hong University, said that with its relatively comprehensive educational ecosystem, the university aims to become a pioneer in training human resouces for the semiconductor industry in Dong Nai and the Southeast region.

By V. The – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha