Science, technology and innovation form foundation for sustainable development

On February 25, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Head of the Government Steering Committee on science and technology development, innovation, digital transformation and Project 06 (Steering Committee), chaired the committee’s first meeting of 2026.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses the meeting. Photo: Courtesy of baochinhphu.vn

Also attending were Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, Standing   Deputy Head of the Steering Committee, Deputy Prime Ministers, Deputy Heads of the Steering Committee; leaders of ministries, sectors, central agencies and localities; as well as representatives of universities, science and technology enterprises and banks.

The meeting was held in a hybrid format, combining in-person attendance at Government Headquarters with online connections to steering committees of provinces and cities.

From Dong Nai virtual site, Le Truong Son, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, attended and chaired the session. Also in attendance were Colonel Vo Thanh Danh, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Commander of the Provincial Military Command, together with leaders of departments and agencies.

Le Truong Son, Member of the Dong Nai Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, chairs the meeting at Dong Nai virtual site. Photo: Hai Quan

At the meeting, leader of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) reported on the implementation of tasks related to national science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation, as well as key missions and solutions for 2026. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Security presented the outcomes of Project 06 and outlined priorities for 2026. The Ministry of Home Affairs’ leader reported on administrative reform efforts and major tasks for 2026. In addition, representatives of ministries, sectors and localities shared orientations and solutions to further promote science and technology, innovation and digital transformation throughout the year.

According to the MoST, the ministry has taken the lead, in coordination with other ministries, sectors and localities, in commissioning research tasks and developing core technologies and strategic technology products closely aligned with practical needs of state agencies, local authorities and the market. In the first quarter of 2026, the ministry will submit to the Prime Minister a strategic technology and industry program covering 11 groups of strategic technologies. The program aims to establish a comprehensive framework for implementation, resource mobilization and enhancement of the country’s endogenous technological capacity in the medium and long term.

Colonel Vo Thanh Danh, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Commander of the Provincial Military Command, and leaders of departments attend the online meeting from Dong Nai virtual site. Photo: Hai Quan

As of February 23, 2026, the Innovation Portal (https://sangkien.gov.vn) had received 28 breakthrough initiatives, 32 proposals on strategic technologies, eight ideas and initiatives, and 43 applications for initiative recognition. The MoST has coordinated with ministries, sectors and localities to disseminate information and organize workshops with universities and research institutes to guide submissions and funding proposals.

In Dong Nai, the Provincial Steering Committee on science and technology development, innovation, digital transformation and Project 06 has defined the guiding principle: “Comprehensive digital transformation – Data as the foundation – People and businesses at the center – Practical effectiveness as the measure.” In parallel, the province is stepping up the development of national and sectoral databases at the local level to facilitate data exploitation, connectivity and sharing among state agencies, while ensuring effective use of digitized data, population data and specialized databases.

Leaders of the Provincial Public Security and the Department of Science and Technology attend the online meeting from Dong Nai virtual site. Photo: Hai Quan

Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that in pursuit of double-digit economic growth and rapid yet sustainable development, ministries, sectors and localities must regard science, technology and innovation as foundational drivers. Growth should be based on new pillars such as the digital economy, green economy, circular economy, artificial intelligence, data, semiconductors, digital infrastructure and data centers. At the same time, it is essential to clearly identify key tasks and breakthrough solutions for 2026 in order to advance national science and technology, innovation and digital transformation, thereby contributing to the fulfillment of socio-economic targets and missions.

By Hai Quan – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha