Vietnam, Russia Eye New Phase in Sci-Tech Cooperation, Focusing on Commercialization

Vietnam and Russia are poised to enter a new phase of cooperation in science and technology, shifting their focus from individual research topics to projects with concrete product development and commercialization roadmaps. This strategic alignment emphasizes collaboration in key areas such as energy, quantum technology, and human resource development. During specialized sessions at the Vietnam-Russia Strategic Technology Connection Forum held in Moscow, representatives from both nations confirmed this new direction for collaboration. Mr. Nguyen Phu Hung, Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment under the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam, explained that Vietnam's approach starts with identifying practical problems and then determining the core technologies and products that need to be mastered. Vietnam has already identified 10 strategic technology groups, 30 strategic technology product groups, and 20 major tasks and challenges. Hung noted that this list is not an endpoint but a tool to concentrate resources on solving significant issues for ministries, sectors, and localities. The new framework for cooperation proposes three key shifts: first, moving from isolated research topics to projects with clear product development and commercialization pathways; second, transitioning from cooperation primarily between institutes and universities to a model that involves enterprises from the outset for investment and adoption; and third, shifting from general training to human resource development directly linked to specific technology projects. Areas of expected collaboration include nuclear energy, cybersecurity, AI, quantum technology, advanced materials, low-orbit satellites, and aerospace. The goal for the 2027-2030 period is to bring jointly developed products to the ASEAN market. Specific projects mentioned include the planned Nuclear Science and Technology Center in Dong Nai province, Vietnam, which will house a 10-15 MW research reactor. Dr. Tran Chi Thanh, Director of the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute, stated that the center will not only serve research and nuclear safety but also produce radioisotopes for medical use and silicon irradiation for semiconductor materials. He proposed collaborating with Russian partners to develop comprehensive capabilities across the entire technology chain, from training and design to manufacturing, installation, operation, maintenance, and repair. Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) is prioritizing industrial applications, such as mastering metal 3D printing technology and related materials. Mr. Phan Tu Giang, Deputy General Director of PetroVietnam, expressed a desire to collaborate with Russian partners to develop the capability for manufacturing technical components, aiming for a "digital technical warehouse" model where design data is digitized and faulty parts can be manufactured locally or nearby, reducing inventory and shortening supply times. On the Russian side, Professor Nikolai Rogalev, Rector of the National Research University "MPEI" (Moscow Power Engineering Institute), proposed establishing a joint laboratory for smart energy systems, microgrids, distributed power sources, digital control, energy storage, and renewable energy integration. He also suggested establishing a joint faculty for nuclear power training and a joint research center for small modular reactors (SMRs) with Vietnamese institutes, universities, and enterprises. Dr. Ekaterina Solntseva, Director for Quantum Technologies at Rosatom, proposed three directions for cooperation with Vietnam: developing a quantum technology development roadmap aligned with domestic needs, implementing specific application projects, and training specialized personnel. She emphasized that cooperation should start with identifying needs and move towards testing practical applications, while building a team to form long-term quantum technology capabilities in Vietnam. At the local level, Mr. Vladimir Mazur, Governor of Kaluga Oblast, proposed cooperation with Vietnam in new materials, nuclear medicine, and high-tech agriculture. Mr. Le Xuan Dinh, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology of Vietnam, assessed the discussions as yielding significant proposals, ranging from cooperation in quantum computing, advanced materials, and atomic energy to strategic technology human resource training and technology transfer in the energy sector. He indicated that the Ministry of Science and Technology will review all proposals and initiatives from the forum and incorporate them into the next phase of the "Vietnam-Russia Strategy for Cooperation in Science, Technology, and Innovation." He pledged to prioritize programs for exchanges, internships, co-supervision of doctoral students, and to create the most favorable conditions for businesses from both countries to access joint research results. Source: VnExpress