Vietnam is accelerating its transformation into a regional innovation powerhouse. With the issuance of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW in December 2024, the country has committed to a bold, strategic overhaul of its science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystem. For foreign direct investors (FDIs), this resolution is more than a policy document – it’s a roadmap to a more dynamic, tech-driven, and globally integrated Vietnamese economy.
A National Strategy for Innovation and Digital Transformation
Resolution 57-NQ/TW outlines Vietnam’s vision to become a science- and technology-led nation by 2030, with a longer-term goal of achieving global competitiveness by 2045. The resolution is part of a broader national effort to:
- Modernize the economy
- Enhance productivity
- Foster sustainable development
- Strengthen national digital sovereignty
This strategic pivot is designed to attract high-quality investment, especially in sectors that align with Vietnam’s innovation priorities.
Key Goals and Timelines
| Target Year | Strategic Milestone |
| By 2030 | Vietnam becomes a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income, driven by STI • R&D investment to reach 2% of GDP • Digital economy to contribute 30% of GDP • Top 3 in ASEAN for AI research and development • 100% of public services at level 4 available online • At least 70% of enterprises using digital platforms |
| By 2045 | Vietnam becomes a developed, high-income country with a globally competitive innovation ecosystem • Top 30 globally in Global Innovation Index (GII) • At least 5 Vietnamese tech firms with regional/global influence • Digital economy contributes over 50% of GDP • Science and technology workforce accounts for 1.5% of total labor force |
What Resolution 57-NQ/TW Means for Investors
1. A Favorable Legal and Policy Environment
The resolution mandates the removal of institutional bottlenecks and the creation of a synchronized legal framework for science, technology, and innovation. This includes:
- Simplified procedures for technology transfer and licensing
- Stronger intellectual property protection
- Incentives for R&D investment and innovation hubs
For FDIs, this means lower compliance risks, greater legal clarity, and enhanced protection of proprietary technologies.
2. Strategic Investment in High-Tech Sectors
Vietnam is prioritizing investment in:
- Semiconductors and microelectronics
- Artificial intelligence and robotics
- Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals
- Green energy and environmental technologies
- Digital platforms and cybersecurity
Foreign investors in these sectors can expect preferential policies, tax incentives, and access to national innovation programs.
3. Public-Private Partnerships and Global Integration
Resolution 57 encourages international cooperation and public-private partnerships (PPPs) to:
- Co-develop innovation infrastructure (e.g., science parks, R&D centers)
- Facilitate technology transfer and joint ventures
- Integrate Vietnam into global value chains
This opens the door for FDIs to collaborate with Vietnamese institutions, co-invest in innovation ecosystems, and scale regionally from a Vietnamese base.
4. Digital Transformation as a National Priority
Vietnam is embedding digital transformation across all sectors. The resolution supports:
- Smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0
- E-government and digital public services
- Digital skills development and workforce upskilling
Investors in digital infrastructure, cloud services, fintech, and edtech will find a rapidly expanding market with strong government backing.
Institutional Reforms and Governance
To ensure effective implementation, the resolution proposes:
- A centralized governance model for STI policy
- Enhanced inter-ministerial coordination
- A national innovation fund to support startups and R&D
These reforms aim to streamline decision-making, reduce bureaucratic delays, and ensure accountability – key concerns for foreign investors.
Opportunities for Foreign Direct Investors
FDIs can benefit from Resolution 57 in several ways:
- Early-mover advantage in emerging sectors
- Access to government-backed innovation zones
- Participation in national digital transformation projects
- Collaboration with Vietnamese universities and research institutes
Vietnam’s growing middle class, digital-savvy population, and strategic location in ASEAN further enhance its attractiveness as an innovation hub.
Challenges to Watch
While the resolution is ambitious, investors should be mindful of:
- Implementation gaps at the local level
- Talent shortages in high-tech fields
- Regulatory adaptation to fast-evolving technologies
However, the government’s commitment to institutional reform, international cooperation, and human capital development suggests these challenges are being actively addressed.
Conclusion: A New Era for Investment in Vietnam
Resolution 57-NQ/TW marks a turning point in Vietnam’s development strategy. It signals a clear shift toward a knowledge-based economy, where science, technology, and innovation are central to national growth.
For foreign investors, this is a unique opportunity to align with Vietnam’s long-term vision, tap into a vibrant innovation ecosystem, and contribute to shaping the future of one of Asia’s most promising economies.
At Viettonkin Consulting, we are ready to help you navigate this evolving landscape – whether you’re entering Vietnam for the first time or expanding your innovation footprint.
You may also like: Vietnam’s Resolution 66-NQ/TW: Legal Reform that Foreign Investors Can’t Ignore
