Vietnam Reshapes Technology Priorities with New Strategic Framework
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung recently issued Decision No. 21/2026/QD-TTg (“Decision 21”) establishing a new list of strategic technologies and products, effective July 1, 2026 and replaced Decision No. 1131issued in 2025 by the former Prime Minister. The Decision sets a renewed policy direction for science, technology, and innovation, identifying these areas as key drivers of Vietnam’s next development phase and signaling where government resources and support will be directed.
Strategic Technology Groups
Decision 21 defines 10 strategic technology groups:
Digital technology (including artificial intelligence, big data, digital twins, cloud computing, edge computing, IoT, and blockchain)
Next-generation mobile network technology
Robotics and automation technology
Advanced biotechnology and biomedical technology
Advanced energy technologies and materials
Semiconductor technology
Cybersecurity and quantum technology
Marine, ocean, and underground technology
Aviation and aerospace technology
High-speed railway and urban railway technology
Compared with the previous framework, while the number of groups is reduced to 10 from 11, the scope of technologies has been expanded and reorganized. Three previously separate groups have been consolidated into a broader Digital Technology group and a new dedicated group on high-speed railway and urban railway technology has been introduced.
Another notable change is the inclusion of quantum technology alongside cybersecurity under a dedicated group, reflecting a clear elevation of its strategic importance. This aligns with recent policy signals. On May 21, during a meeting of the Central Steering Committee for Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation to review a draft national project on quantum technology development, General Secretary and President To Lam highlighted the importance of defining the strategic role of quantum technology in Vietnam’s next development phase. Priority areas include quantum information, sensing, materials, simulation, and precision measurement. Vietnam also aims to develop around 1,000 core quantum personnel while strengthening selective international cooperation and knowledge transfer.
Strategic Technology Products
Under Annex II of Decision 21, 30 strategic technology products are identified and grouped into two categories:
Group 1 includes 22 market-ready technology products expected to deliver immediate economic impact, such as AI applications (including Vietnamese large language models), smart manufacturing systems, biotech products (vaccines, cell therapies, biosensors, 3D-printed personalized medicine), as well as energy and industrial solutions like advanced materials, battery energy storage systems (BESS), green hydrogen, biofuels, carbon capture (CCUS), and UAV systems.
Group 2 includes 8 future-oriented technology products aimed at ensuring long-term strategic autonomy, including semiconductor chips, quantum computing and communication systems, resource extraction and processing technologies, deep-sea and underground exploration systems, small modular nuclear reactors, low-earth-orbit satellite systems, and high-speed and urban railway systems.
Compared to the previous products list, the new framework is more structured and expanded in scope, adding several new products, including edge AI cameras, 3D printing-based personalized medical systems, smart biosensors, advanced batteries and BESS, green hydrogen and biofuel production, and CCUS in Group 1. Meanwhile, Group 2 includes quantum computing and expands to railway systems and related equipment. Notably, 6G O-RAN solutions have been removed, leaving only 5G and 5G-Advanced technologies in the new list.
The Prime Minister has called for the swift removal of financial barriers in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, while directing ministries to prioritize funding and accelerate implementation of strategic technologies under the new framework.
