Hanoi has once again secured the top spot in the 2025 Provincial Innovation Index (PII), marking its third consecutive year leading the rankings, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology’s announcement on October 1.

Ho Chi Minh City came second, followed by northern Quang Ninh province, northern Hai Phong city, and central Hue city.

First piloted in 2022 and officially applied nationwide in 2023, the PII is modeled on international standards, drawing directly from the methodologies and calculation techniques of the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index (GII).

The index offers a comprehensive overview of how provincial economies are performing in terms of innovation-driven growth. By assessing 52 component indicators, it identifies strengths, weaknesses, and untapped potential, providing local authorities with evidence-based insights to guide priority setting and policy design tailored to their specific contexts.