The Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) is drafting a strategic policy scheme to accelerate technological transformation among businesses. Through the National Technological Innovation Fund (NATIF), the government proposes to provide a subsidy of 50 percent of the loan interest rates for companies undertaking investments, transfers, or the development of technological innovations.
Minister of Science and Technology, Vu Hai Quan, emphasized that this initiative is a concrete realization of Resolution 57-NQ/TW, which positions innovation as the primary driver of national economic growth. Within this framework, the state acts as a facilitator creating a conducive climate, while businesses are encouraged to be at the center of the innovation ecosystem to increase productivity and competitiveness in the global market.
The proposed subsidy scheme includes interest compensation of up to a maximum of 6 percent per year with a support duration of five years. NATIF Director, Bui Quang Minh, explained that this policy remains grounded in market principles, where banks retain full control over risk assessment and credit decisions, while the government acts as a supporter of capital costs.
As an initial step, the government will run a pilot project involving 20 selected companies. This trial phase is scheduled to run until the end of September 2026 to evaluate the effectiveness of coordination between government agencies, banks, and the private sector before the policy is implemented on a wider scale.
Priority support will be given to projects involving high and strategic technologies, which are deemed to have significant value-added potential and a positive domino effect on the national economy. This step is expected to serve as a catalyst for businesses to be more courageous in modernizing technology without being burdened by high loan interest costs.
