Vietnam and Russia Eye Deeper Strategic Technology Collaboration

Vietnamese and Russian experts have proposed strengthening strategic technology collaboration by connecting the human resources, research infrastructure, and R&D capabilities of both nations. This shift aims to move beyond traditional training and scientific exchange towards joint development and technology transfer. The discussions took place during the Vietnam-Russia Science and Technology Forum, organized by Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology. Speakers explored cooperation models, potential projects, and priority areas for the coming years, considering Vietnam's technological needs and Russia's strengths. Key proposals included transitioning from a model primarily focused on sending Vietnamese students to Russia for training to direct research and development (R&D) cooperation in emerging strategic technologies where Vietnam has demand and Russia possesses expertise. Mai Thanh Phong, Rector of Bach Khoa University - Ho Chi Minh City National University, suggested establishing a "Joint Technology Development Center" in Vietnam, which could conduct R&D, transfer technology, and train practical personnel. Grigory Trubnikov, Director of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR), supported this idea, emphasizing the development of high-quality human resources and new technologies and equipment as two pillars of future cooperation. Tran Chi Thanh, Director of the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (Vinatom), focused on selecting projects that can yield concrete results. He proposed concentrating on five key areas within the atomic energy sector by 2030, including a Nuclear Science and Technology Research Center with a new research reactor, the Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power plant project, research and development of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, materials science (especially specialized metallurgy and alloy steel), and shipbuilding – all areas where Russia has significant strengths. On the Russian side, Valery Bukhtiyarov, Director of the Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, stressed the importance of linking expert and scientific personnel exchanges with practical projects. He highlighted Russia's new generation accelerator complex, SKIF (Siberian Circular Photon Source), as an opportunity for Vietnamese scientists to access infrastructure and foster deeper collaborative tasks. Aleksandr Blagov from the Kurchatov Institute proposed a broader approach based on "Mega-Science" infrastructures, expanding cooperation into biotechnology, bioenergy, nuclear medicine, and Generation IV reactor research, and invited Vietnam to join an international research alliance for Mega-Science infrastructures. Nguyen Hoang Linh, Director of the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety, stated that expanding nuclear cooperation must be accompanied by building safety and security assurance capacity. He requested Russian support in technology transfer for safety assessment of large-capacity nuclear power plants and collaboration on developing a master plan for training regulatory personnel in radiation safety and nuclear security for Vietnam by 2035. These proposals build upon decades of scientific and technological cooperation between Vietnam and Russia, including long-standing partnerships with institutions like JINR. The focus is now shifting towards deeper collaboration, encompassing not only human resource development but also joint technology and equipment development. Source: VnExpress