What is your assessment of the demand and development level of human resources dedicated to innovation in Vietnam?

Dr. Vo Xuan Hoai: According to the 2021-2030 Socio-Economic Development Strategy, human resources are one of the three breakthroughs for sustainable economic development. It is not only us but also developed nations like Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Europe that are in dire need of high-quality human resources.

The demand for skilled labor to serve innovation and high-tech sectors is enormous, both domestically and globally. Industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and clean energy are currently experiencing a shortage of high-quality talent.

For instance, the semiconductor industry is expected to require up to one million workers by 2030, yet the current global talent pool is far from meeting this demand. In developed countries, aging populations further exacerbate the shortage. Meanwhile, the workforce in this sector requires young, agile, and highly skilled engineers.

Vietnam has an advantage with its youthful population, particularly as it enters its demographic golden age, making it capable of training technical professionals. Therefore, Vietnam has the opportunity to participate in both local and international innovation.

Our young people have a passion for STEM fields, technology, and mathematics. This enthusiasm positions Vietnam's younger generation to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and innovation activities in businesses and organizations.

In recent years, many talented young Vietnamese engineers and researchers have gained valuable experience through education and entrepreneurship abroad, achieving significant success.

A prime example is Dr. Loi Nguyen, who transitioned from being a scientist to founding a company that was later acquired by Marvell, a global leader in chip design, for billions of dollars. Other outstanding Vietnamese talents include Le Viet Quoc, considered a key figure at Google, Hung Tran of GotIT, and Thuc Vu of VietAI.

These examples demonstrate that Vietnamese talent is abundant, and we are fully capable of participating in emerging industries, particularly semiconductors and AI. The challenge lies in unlocking this potential.

Recently, we have been hearing more about the "export" of highly-skilled workers. Has there been a shift in the workforce that makes us less concerned about the 'brain drain'?

Dr. Vo Xuan Hoai: It is encouraging that young Vietnamese talent, whether engineers or students, can study abroad and then be recruited by major global technology companies. This is beneficial for both them and the country.

By working in advanced industries overseas, they gain exposure to and mastery of new technologies. Collaboration with global companies can bring even greater benefits to Vietnam than returning home immediately after graduation.

While working abroad, they build relationships with colleagues and businesses, which can benefit Vietnam in the long term. It shows that contributing to the country doesn't always mean physically returning. Thanks to digital technology, we can work from anywhere.

Although Vietnam will continue to face a shortage of human resources, young people working abroad should not be seen as part of the 'brain drain.' Rather, it is a necessary process to train a workforce that will eventually return to contribute or support research and development in Vietnam when the time is right.

What is your perspective on the recent trend of Vietnamese experts returning to contribute to national development?

Dr. Vo Xuan Hoai: The contributions of overseas Vietnamese to the domestic community are an inevitable and positive trend.

This pattern is not unique to Vietnam. It is also evident in countries like South Korea, Japan, and China, where nationals, after studying, working, and achieving success abroad, return to contribute to their homeland’s economic growth.

In Vietnam, this trend is similarly developing, which is a great advantage for the country. We are entering a phase where the participation of overseas Vietnamese experts and intellectuals is essential.

Since 2018, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung identified the overseas Vietnamese intellectuals, experts, and business leaders as a key force to drive the country’s economic development.

These individuals will play a pivotal role in propelling Vietnam into a new era, as General Secretary and President To Lam described it - the era of national growth. With these talented people, they will be central to mastering and bringing technology back to Vietnam to foster national progress.

On this basis, the Ministry of Planning and Investment established the Vietnam Innovation Network. Currently, we have approximately 100,000 members. Over the past five years, the National Innovation Center has built 10 networks across 22 countries and territories. This group will play a crucial role in Vietnam’s future.

During a recent trip, General Secretary To Lam met members of the Vietnam Innovation Network in the United States. He was impressed by the success many Vietnamese people have achieved in advanced industries - not just traditional fields, but the most cutting-edge technologies in the world today.

This gives us confidence in supporting young Vietnamese talents to study and work abroad, knowing they will collaborate with us to advance the nation’s economic development.

What mechanisms are in place to retain and attract talent back to Vietnam?

Dr. Vo Xuan Hoai: There are numerous policies issued by the Party and the government, formalized through various decrees, resolutions, and directives. However, effectively implementing these policies to attract overseas talent has not yet been fully successful.

In discussions with members of the Vietnam Innovation Network abroad, many have expressed that while Vietnam welcomes their participation, there are still barriers to creating a conducive environment for them to fully utilize their expertise. This is a missed opportunity.

I believe that soon, we will see improvements in working conditions and social benefits that will attract more talent back to Vietnam.

Vietnamese talent is eager to contribute. They do not demand excessive benefits, but they do require a basic standard of living to work and contribute confidently.

There is a strong desire for the government to adopt more open and favorable policies to encourage innovation. These policies could include tax incentives, personal income tax reductions, and regulations on work permits.

When returning to work in government organizations, many talented Vietnamese professionals have the skills but lack the certificates and degrees required by domestic regulations, which they didn’t need abroad.

Someone highly skilled, even with experience as a director or manager in overseas organizations, might return to Vietnam and have to start in a lower position, limiting their impact.

Some government institutions, especially non-state organizations, should consider creating more flexible conditions for these individuals to be appointed to management positions, enabling them to contribute fully.

What needs to be done to improve the connectivity of Vietnam's innovation ecosystem, particularly between domestic and international talent?

Dr. Vo Xuan Hoai: Based on our experience with the Vietnam Innovation Network, there is significant demand for collaboration to develop new technologies and core innovations, which will boost innovation activities in Vietnam.

However, a major obstacle is the lack of clear problems to solve. While we often express the need for support from overseas Vietnamese intellectuals, we fail to articulate specific needs.

The government should define clear problems and challenges to be addressed by experts, scientists, and members of the Vietnam Innovation Network, ensuring that they can contribute meaningfully to solving national issues.

Domestic businesses, organizations, and universities must also propose specific challenges and difficulties to tackle together. However, it is essential that these problems be framed in a way that recognizes and compensates experts for their efforts. The benefits for both sides must be balanced.

We currently lack a comprehensive vision in this area, making it difficult for scientists to participate in government research projects.

Simply put, there are too many unnecessary regulations. Extensive procedures are required for conducting scientific research, which should be addressed to fully utilize the expertise of overseas Vietnamese professionals.

Thank you!

Trong Dat