Hanoi has retained its position as Vietnam’s leading locality in the 2026 Provincial Innovation Index (PII), according to results released by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The PII provides data and evidence to help local authorities design and implement measures to improve the effectiveness of innovation activities and strengthen their innovation ecosystems.
Among the nation's total 34 cities and provinces, Hanoi recorded the highest score at 63.80 points, ranking first nationwide, while the northern moutainous province of Cao Bang ranked 34th with the lowest score of 21.22 points.
The 10 leading localities were Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, Hue, Da Nang, Thai Nguyen, Tay Ninh and Hung Yen.
Hanoi led in 18 of the PII’s 52 component indicators, particularly those related to research and development and innovation. These included R&D personnel and spending, the number of science and technology organisations, the proportion of businesses conducting R&D and innovation activities, as well as intellectual property outputs such as patents, utility solutions, plant varieties, trademarks and industrial designs.
Hanoi also led indicators related to poverty reduction and human development.
Ho Chi Minh City ranked second and led 12 of the 52 component indicators. Its strengths included science and technology organisations, general infrastructure, private-sector credit, microfinance, business density, corporate R&D and innovation activities, newly established enterprises and several intellectual property indicators.
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