The Vietnamese government has officially reshaped the national technology development roadmap through Presidential Decree No. 260/2026/ND-CP, which takes effect on July 1, 2026. This policy marks a philosophical shift where the state is no longer merely a research funder, but a strategic partner actively sharing risks with the private sector in developing high-level technological innovations.
This comprehensive policy is designed to bridge the classic gap between the laboratory and the market. Under the regulation, companies operating in strategic technology sectors—such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, robotics, and biotechnology—are eligible for full financial support of up to 100% for state-assigned tasks. Beyond funding, businesses also gain access to national laboratories, 'sandbox' testing mechanisms, as well as various tax relief and import duty concessions.
One of the most crucial points in this regulation is the provision of credit interest rate subsidies of up to 100% through the National Technology Innovation Fund (NATIF). This support covers crucial non-financial aspects, ranging from intellectual property protection and human resource training to international standard certification. This step is expected to minimize cost barriers that have previously made companies hesitant to make long-term investments in high-risk sectors.
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Bui Hoang Phuong, emphasized that the primary orientation of this policy is commercialization effectiveness. The government is no longer focusing on the quantity of research topics, but on creating concrete products with high economic value capable of application in the public sector, such as transport management, healthcare, and national logistics.
Currently, relevant ministries are evaluating 28 strategic technology task proposals submitted by various central agencies. With a pragmatic approach combining short-term goals and long-term fundamental investments, Vietnam is optimistic about building a technologically independent ecosystem while enhancing the competitiveness of domestic products in the global value chain.
