Resolution 57, recently issued by Vietnam’s Politburo, marks a groundbreaking step in prioritizing key areas for national advancement in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. These priorities include institutional frameworks, human resources, infrastructure, data, and strategic technologies, laying a solid foundation for the country's growth trajectory.

Core priorities for Vietnam's technological future

Promulgated on December 22, 2024, Resolution 57 underscores Vietnam’s ambition to break through economic and technological barriers, positioning the country for rapid development in science, technology, and innovation.

For the first time, the resolution identifies five central pillars: institutional reforms, workforce development, digital infrastructure, data management, and the advancement of strategic technologies.

These directives build on a series of previous governmental initiatives, including the National Digital Transformation Program (Decision 749/QD-TTg, 2020) and the National AI Development Strategy (Decision 127/QD-TTg, 2021). Resolution 57 synthesizes these efforts, providing a clear roadmap for maximizing labor productivity and integrating innovation into Vietnam’s socio-economic framework.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hoang Son, Vice Director of the Vietnam National University's Institute of Information Technology, the resolution sets the stage for transformative changes across industries. It also establishes the Central Steering Committee on science, technology, and innovation, led by General Secretary To Lam, reflecting the government’s commitment to advancing digital and scientific progress.

Guiding government initiatives and local efforts

Dr. Son emphasized that Resolution 57 will serve as a guiding framework for ministries, departments, and local authorities to implement digital transformation strategies tailored to regional needs.

Recent years have seen provinces such as Ha Giang, Lang Son, and Bac Kan make strides in digital transformation, introducing projects like online public services and digitized school records. Lang Son, for example, has deployed advanced AI systems, such as automated vehicles and smart customs platforms, to streamline cross-border trade.

While challenges remain in less developed areas, the success of these initiatives highlights the potential for nationwide transformation under the resolution’s guidance.

Aspiring for leadership in AI and digital competitiveness

Resolution 57 sets an ambitious goal for Vietnam to become one of Southeast Asia’s top three nations in AI research, digital competitiveness, and e-government by 2030. To achieve this, Dr. Son identified several critical steps:

1.     Establishing effective legal frameworks: Vietnam must refine existing regulations, such as Decree 70/2018, to facilitate the commercialization of scientific research and ensure the responsible development of AI technologies.

2.     Developing innovation ecosystems: Government-led initiatives should support localized AI projects, while businesses and research centers collaborate on scalable solutions.

3.     Enhancing human resource strategies: By attracting global experts and prioritizing domestic talent development, Vietnam can emulate successful models from countries like Singapore and Malaysia, fostering advanced research and application capabilities.

Resolution 57 reflects Vietnam’s determination to lead in technological innovation and digital transformation. By focusing on institutional support, strategic investments, and collaborative efforts, Vietnam is well-positioned to achieve its 2030 objectives and emerge as a regional powerhouse in science and technology.

N. Huyen