HCMC – Vietnam aims to establish a number of research centers with regional and global standing by 2030, focusing on basic sciences, engineering and technology, and social sciences and humanities.
The goal is outlined in Decision No. 2813, issued by the prime minister, approving a national program to strengthen the capacity of public research and development organizations for the 2025–2030 period.
The program seeks to build a stronger science and technology foundation by upgrading public research institutions and developing core research organizations with leading roles. Authorities expect scientific research and technological development to deliver breakthroughs that support socio-economic growth and contribute to national defense and security.
Targets are linked to international rankings. In basic research, Vietnam aims to develop five public research organizations in mathematics, physics, biology, materials science and earth science that rank within the top 30% globally, as assessed by reputable international bodies.
In engineering and technology, the program targets the formation of seven to ten public research organizations ranked in the top 30%. These institutions are expected to serve as key forces in developing foundational and strategic technologies.
For social sciences and humanities, Vietnam plans to develop four leading research organizations by 2030. These institutions are expected to provide scientific input for policy formulation and strategic planning, with at least one assessed at regional or global level.
The program also sets requirements for human resources and international cooperation. From the second year of implementation, each participating organization must attract at least 70 collaborations with reputable regional and international experts and scientists for research, training and academic exchange. Each institution must also maintain at least one reputable regional or international scientific forum or annual conference.
By 2030, each organization is required to build and maintain a research team of at least 30 researchers, excluding state-paid staff. At least 15% of the team must be foreign nationals or overseas Vietnamese.
Scientific output targets are also specified. In basic research, each organization is required to increase international journal publications by an average of 15–20% annually. By 2030, publication productivity must reach at least 1.5 international papers per PhD per year.
In engineering and technology, international publications are expected to grow by an average of 12% annually, while patents and utility solution registrations must rise by 15% each year. By 2030, patent productivity must reach at least 0.2 patent per PhD per year. Each organization is also required to transfer or apply at least two scientific or technological products annually.
The prime minister’s decision outlines key tasks, including the establishment of centers of excellence, development of science and technology infrastructure, promotion of research and innovation in priority sectors, acceleration of technology transfer, capacity building, and dissemination of program outcomes.
