The Vietnam Research and Development (R&D) Forum 2025 officially opened on July 30 in the northern province of Ninh Binh, aiming to help shape a robust national R&D strategy through international collaboration and innovation-led policies.

The two-day event brings together around 100 participants, including domestic and international scientists, policymakers, and representatives from research institutes, businesses, and development agencies.

Held under the theme “Advancing Vietnam’s Future through Strategic R&D Investment,” the forum is seen as a strategic milestone in promoting the transition to a knowledge-based economy and enhancing Vietnam’s innovation capacity—key to sustainable development and strengthening the country’s global competitiveness.

Participants are focusing their discussion on three key topics, including the Vietnam R&D roadmap 2025–2030, which emphasizes financial incentives, expert networking, and strengthening industry–university collaboration; a national R&D policy framework, with proposals to establish a national R&D council, implement talent incentives, and offer tax breaks for businesses investing in R&D; and sector-specific investment action plans that aim to develop dedicated special economic zones for R&D, support professional training, and develop specialized investment funds.

According to the World Bank, Vietnam’s R&D spending rose from 0.3% of GDP in 2013 to 0.43% in 2021 - a positive trend but still below the 2-4% range seen in more developed economies.