Vietnam Boosts Basic Research for Innovation and Self-Reliance

Vietnam is intensifying efforts to strengthen basic research, aiming to drive innovation and enhance the quality of its economic growth. Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Minh, former rector of Hanoi National University of Education, highlighted that basic research not only generates new knowledge but also fosters innovation and improves the quality of economic growth. Vietnam's growing research capacity is expected to elevate its regional and international standing, while contributing to sustainable development, strategic autonomy, national defense, and governance. Through a series of reforms and investments, Vietnam aims to enhance its self-reliance in science and technology and strengthen its international competitiveness. In recent decades, Vietnam has experienced rapid economic growth, largely driven by manufacturing and exports. However, amidst global supply chain fluctuations and rising geopolitical risks, Vietnam is seeking an economic transformation through advanced technological development and innovation. Strengthening investment in basic research is seen as part of this long-term strategy. The government emphasizes the need to reform basic scientific research to meet national development requirements. This likely includes reallocating research funding, nurturing researchers, and developing research infrastructure. Within Vietnam's one-party system, research and development directions are strongly guided by national strategies, and the enhancement of basic research is viewed in this context. Furthermore, Vietnam is also strengthening scientific research cooperation with countries like the Republic of Korea (RoK), demonstrating a commitment to accelerating technological innovation through international collaboration. This may also be linked to Vietnam's desire to increase its economic and strategic autonomy in relation to China.