Vietnam localities push strategic technology missions

Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology has received 85 strategic technology proposals from 15 localities as of August 20, mainly focused on UAVs, AI, digital twins, blockchain, cell technology, personalized medicine, gene technology, and biotechnology. Minister Vu Hai Quan told an August 26 meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung that the missions require a product-centered approach and efficient use of resources.

MoST’s review identified 28 strategic technology proposals from eight out of ten ministries and agencies, with an estimated total budget of approximately VND5.3 trillion ($203 million). By August 24, the ministry had appraised 27 of these 28 proposals. 9 missions from the ministries of Health, Construction, Industry and Trade, and Science and Technology are eligible for approval, while 13 have received council feedback, five are not yet eligible, and the remaining task is due for appraisal by August 28 at the latest.

The proposals address 11 out of 20 major challenges in Prime Ministerial Decision No. 808/QD-TTg dated May 6, 2024. Deputy PM Dung urged ministries to approve the nine eligible missions before August 28 and asked MoST to finish appraisal reports for the 13 reviewed tasks by August 28, with full approval targeted by September 5. The ministry will also group local submissions to avoid overlap and identify central models that can be replicated locally, with tangible products expected by the end of 2026.