Vietnam is stepping up efforts to climb the Global Innovation Index (GII), setting its sights on entering the world’s top 30 within the next decade, as policymakers unveil a set of pillars and strategies aimed at transforming innovation into a key driver of growth.
The Southeast Asian nation currently ranks 44th out of 139 economies in the GII 2025, leading the group of lower middle-income countries, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology. While the achievement has been praised, officials acknowledge the country must address structural weaknesses to secure a breakthrough.
Four key pillars
Experts and officials outlined four priority pillars Vietnam should pursue to move up the rankings. These include:
1. Investing in scientific, technological and digital infrastructure – strengthening research centers, high-performance labs and open data platforms.
2. Developing high-quality human resources – enhancing STEM education, fostering university-industry partnerships, and attracting both domestic and overseas talent.
3. Making enterprises the hub of innovation – offering financial incentives, venture capital, public procurement for innovative products and greater R&D support.
4. Transforming intellectual property into economic assets – shifting from protection to commercialization and market-based use of research outcomes.
“If Vietnam does well in these four pillars, the GII ranking will not only improve but innovation will truly become a growth engine for the nation,” Science and Technology Minister Nguyen Manh Hung said, according to Thuong Hieu & Cong Luan and Cong Ly newspapers.
Additional core pillars
Other experts emphasize three fundamental pillars: institutional reform, greater state investment in science and digital transformation, and human resource development. Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung told the National Innovation Festival 2025 that Vietnam “cannot rely solely on imported technologies” but must build its own ecosystem of talent, finance and governance. (So Huu Tri Tue & Sang Tao).
At the policy level, General Secretary To Lam has called innovation a “continuous journey rather than a final destination,” setting out six national tasks to embed innovation across all sectors of society.
New strategies: “3 plus 1” and “3 no’s – 3 supports – 3 pioneers”
A new formula, known as “3 plus 1”, was introduced at a recent innovation forum. It highlights technology talent, innovation ecosystems, supply chain connectivity, and excellence-driven motivation as the cornerstones for strategic industries. (VTV).
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also laid out a distinctive approach with “3 no’s – 3 supports – 3 pioneers.”
– The “3 no’s”: no saying no, no citing difficulties, and no letting bureaucracy obstruct innovation.
– The “3 supports”: technical, financial, and market assistance for start-ups and businesses.
– The “3 pioneers”: encouraging young people to lead in innovation, push their limits and embrace time pressures. (Tinnhanhchungkhoan.vn).
Networks and local initiatives
Vietnam has also launched three innovation and expert networks in strategic fields: quantum technology (VNQuantum), cybersecurity (ViSecurity), and aerospace. These aim to connect scientists, businesses and government agencies in pursuing advanced research and commercial applications. (VJST.vn).
On the local level, provinces are beginning to adopt the Provincial Innovation Index (PII) to benchmark performance and guide policies. Hai Phong city, for example, is integrating PII as part of its post-merger development strategy. (Thuong Hieu & Cong Luan).
Challenges ahead
Despite these moves, challenges remain. Funding for research and development is still modest, policy coordination between ministries and localities is inconsistent, and a culture of risk-taking is yet to take root in many Vietnamese businesses.
Analysts note that Vietnam must not only improve rankings but also turn innovation into tangible economic competitiveness. “Innovation must become a national cause involving everyone, from policymakers to students,” a commentary in Baomoi.com said.
