Vietnam Launches Landmark Laws to Fuel Innovation and Attract Top Tech Talent
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New legislation aims to create a thriving ecosystem for science, technology, and digital transformation, but implementation details remain crucial.
Vietnam has enacted sweeping new laws designed to propel its science, technology, and innovation (STI) sectors forward, with a particular focus on attracting both domestic and international talent. The National Assembly recently adopted the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation (WTI) 2025 and the Law on Digital Technology Industry, establishing a legal framework intended to foster groundbreaking development and digital transformation. These laws build upon the guiding principles outlined in Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, signaling a strong political commitment to innovation.
A New Legal Foundation for Vietnamese Innovation
The new Law on Science, Technology and Innovation creates a more transparent legal framework for scientists, granting them enhanced rights regarding intellectual property, financing, and commercial exploitation of their work. Crucially, the legislation allows for flexible remuneration mechanisms that extend beyond traditional salary scales, addressing a long-standing challenge in attracting and retaining skilled researchers.
A senior official stated that the laws also prioritize attracting highly qualified specialists, particularly Vietnamese experts residing abroad, through a combination of financial and non-financial incentives. The parallel Law on Digital Technology Industry specifically targets the semiconductor industry with dedicated incentives and lays the groundwork for the development of artificial intelligence and digital assets.
While the new laws represent a significant step forward, their ultimate success hinges on effective implementation. Concerns have been raised regarding the need for clear and detailed implementation guidelines. A representative from the Ministry of Science and Technology cautioned that the regulations will only be truly effective if aligned with existing legislation, such as the Budget Act and the Civil Service Act, and implemented through simple and flexible procedures. “Cumbersome and inflexible procedures will render these regulations ineffective,” the official warned.
Talent Acquisition: A National Priority
Vietnam is actively pursuing a strategy to acquire talent by 2050, recognizing that a skilled workforce is essential for achieving its STI goals. However, financial compensation for scientists in Vietnam currently lags behind that of researchers in more industrialized nations. Addressing this disparity requires a holistic approach, focusing not only on salary but also on creating a professional research environment, providing access to state-of-the-art equipment, fostering a positive work culture, and offering robust career development opportunities.
The issue of flexible, over-tariff remuneration remains a central challenge. While the new laws enable such mechanisms, the specific levels and scope must be clearly defined in implementing documents. According to Mr. Mai Anh Hong, deputy director of the Department of Organization and Personnel (TCCB) at the Ministry of Science and Technology, “In the areas of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, highly qualified workers and talents are crucial factors and cannot be attracted by rigid guidelines. The exceeding of the salary span, the provision of living space, working conditions, etc., are to achieve breakthroughs so that they feel safe in their work.”
Concrete Steps Towards a Thriving Ecosystem
To operationalize Resolution 57, the Ministry of Science and Technology is developing specific regulations covering risk acceptance mechanisms, autonomy for public science and technology organizations, preferential policies for the semiconductor industry, and guidelines for recruiting, utilizing, and promoting talent.
The Ministry has launched the “Development and Promotion of Talents and Highly Qualified Human Resources” project, alongside national programs aimed at attracting Vietnamese scientists and experienced foreign experts. These programs will likely include special financial support packages, improved working conditions, and clear career development opportunities, as outlined by Mr. Mai Anh Hong.
Investment in infrastructure and the research environment is also underway, with plans to upgrade laboratories and research centers to international standards and establish high-tech zones and technology incubators. The Ministry is actively promoting collaboration between research institutions and companies, encouraging businesses to invest in research and development and apply scientific results to production and business practices.
Furthermore, the Ministry is prioritizing international cooperation and technology transfer, facilitating Vietnamese scientists’ participation in global projects and encouraging major technology companies to establish research and development centers within Vietnam. The focus will be on minimizing administrative hurdles and maximizing autonomy for scientists, providing them with the necessary resources – including finances, equipment, and databases – to conduct research effectively. The Ministry will prioritize efficiency and results – measured by international publications, patents, and valuable commercial products – over rigid adherence to procedures.
Mr. Mai Anh Hong emphasized that the new laws are intended to create an “attractive environment,” a prerequisite for attracting, retaining, and maximizing the potential of talent in Vietnam’s key technology fields.
According to Mr. Tran Anh Tuan, director of the Hanoi Science and Technology Ministry, six resolution designs are in development to address bottlenecks in scientific research, innovation, and start-ups, aligning with Resolution 57-NQ/TW and the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation. These include guidelines for Hanoi’s science and technology development and mechanisms to support the local innovation and start-up ecosystem. .
