As artificial intelligence (AI) and Digital Twin technologies reshape the global technological landscape, cooperation with leading technology groups is not only a fast track to accessing cutting-edge technologies but also a key lever for knowledge transfer, high-quality human resource development and gradually forming a domestic AI–Digital Twin ecosystem, said insiders.

AI and Digital Twin technologies are being widely applied across strategic technological sectors, including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, semiconductors, energy, biomedicine, smart factories and smart cities. By enabling the simulation, optimisation and operation of complex systems, these technologies help shorten research and development cycles, reduce costs and mitigate risks.

In this context, the recent inauguration of a research and development (R&D) centre and a centre of excellence (COE) on AI and Digital Twin by Dassault Systèmes at the National Innovation Centre (NIC) marks a strategic step forward in strengthening Vietnam’s technological capabilities.

Technology experts view the partnership between NIC and Dassault Systèmes as more than a milestone in Vietnam’s cooperation with a global technology giant. It signals a significant shift, with Vietnam moving beyond a technology recipient to gradually emerging as a destination for hi-tech research, development and innovation within the global value chain. The initiative also concretises the Party and State’s major policies on science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation.

Commending this exemplary public–private partnership, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung said the event reflects growing confidence among French and European partners in Vietnam’s investment and business environment, as well as in the country’s long-term development vision for strategic technologies. He noted that the R&D centre and COE will serve not only as hubs for technological research and development, but also as spaces for training, incubation and knowledge dissemination.

From a business perspective, Samson Khaou, Executive Vice President for Asia-Pacific at Dassault Systèmes, said the combination of Digital Twin and AI is becoming a core platform enabling countries and enterprises to design, simulate, optimise and operate complex systems sustainably.

Establishing the R&D Centre and COE in Vietnam, he noted, aims to develop advanced technological solutions, and facilitate knowledge transfer, training of high-quality talent, and help Vietnamese firms enhance their global competitiveness through close cooperation with NIC.

In the initial phase, the centres will focus on the aerospace sector, before expanding into semiconductors, transportation and mobility models. They will also provide opportunities for students and professionals to receive training and certification based on global best practices, leveraging Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

The launch of the R&D centre and COE at NIC underscores the Vietnamese Government’s commitment to working with leading technology corporations, fostering innovation, developing human capital and positioning Vietnam as a regional hub for innovation and high technology, he said.

The Government also pledges to further improve the investment and business environment and continue to support and create the best possible favourable conditions for both domestic and foreign investors to operate effectively, sustainably and in the long term, he added./. VNA