Under the initiative, known as VREF and set to run from 2026 to 2030, around 100 PhD candidates will be selected annually, with total funding per individual reaching up to VND3 billion (US$123,000). It marks an unprecedented level of investment in doctoral research in Vietnam.

From training PhDs to investing in excellence

The most significant shift introduced by VREF lies not in the funding scale, but in its underlying philosophy. For the first time, doctoral researchers are positioned as core contributors to scientific output, rather than simply learners in training.

The program moves decisively away from a model focused on expanding the number of PhDs, toward one centered on cultivating high-impact research. Priority will be given to projects capable of generating core technologies and strategic products.

This reflects a broader policy transition: from supporting quantity to investing in depth, with expectations placed on individuals who can deliver breakthroughs.

Despite a steady increase in PhD enrollment in recent years, Vietnam has continued to face a gap in research quality compared to international standards. A key constraint has been limited resources, leaving many doctoral candidates without the means to engage in advanced research, publish internationally or build meaningful academic collaborations.

VREF aims to address this bottleneck by enabling full-time research, a condition that has remained largely out of reach in the domestic scientific environment.

Linking research to technology and the market

A defining feature of the program is its strong emphasis on tangible outcomes. Doctoral candidates are expected not only to publish academic work, but also to pursue intellectual property registration, technology transfer and commercialization of research results.

The shift is designed to move research activity beyond the confines of academia and into the broader innovation ecosystem.

The program also encourages early involvement from businesses through co-funding and joint implementation mechanisms. This approach seeks to strengthen the connection between the state, research institutions and enterprises - often described as the “golden triangle” of innovation.

Projects related to core technologies and strategic products will receive priority, signaling Vietnam’s ambition to transition from a technology user to a technology creator in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

Conditional investment and acceptance of risk

Beyond its financial scale, VREF introduces a stricter accountability framework. Funding will be tied to performance, with doctoral candidates evaluated against specific milestones and outputs. Continued support will depend directly on progress and results.

Projects that fail to meet expectations may face adjustments, suspension or termination of funding.

This marks a clear departure from traditional grant allocation toward a model of conditional investment, where accountability is central.

At the same time, the program introduces a notable degree of flexibility by acknowledging the inherent risks of scientific research. Projects with strong potential but encountering objective challenges may still be considered for continued support, provided they comply with regulations.

Such an approach recognizes that breakthrough research often involves uncertainty, a factor that conventional management systems have not always accommodated.

A broader challenge: building an ecosystem of excellence

While VREF introduces multiple innovations, a larger question remains: can a single program, even with substantial resources, create a generation of world-class scientists?

In reality, research quality depends not only on funding, but also on academic environments, institutional autonomy and the ability to attract and retain talent.

VREF may serve as an initial catalyst, but building a truly robust scientific ecosystem will require deeper reforms - from recruitment and evaluation mechanisms to the development of strong research groups and international collaboration networks.

Still, Vietnam’s willingness to invest up to VND1 billion per year in a single doctoral researcher sends a powerful signal. It reflects a shift in how science is perceived: from cost to investment, from support to strategic commitment.

If effectively implemented, the program could do more than produce better-trained PhDs. It may help lay the foundation for a new generation of scientists capable of leading Vietnam’s development in key technological domains over the coming decade.

Thai Khang