Science, technology and innovation must be the foundation to fulfil the country’s double-digit growth in the coming time, stated Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, head of the Government’s Steering Committee on science and technology development, innovation, digital transformation and Project 06, while chairing the committee’s first meeting of 2026 on February 25.

The Viet Nam Automation Association (VAA) held a workshop on January 27 to discuss opportunities and policies to support science and technology enterprises, drawing the participation of policymakers, experts, and science and technology enterprises.

Vietnam is aiming to become a high-tech economy with the STI pillars identified as the enablers, and the local conditions enable their rapid development, said an Israeli expert.

The draft documents to be submitted to the 14th National Party Congress continue to affirm science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the core driving forces of the new growth model. These are decisive factors in improving productivity, quality, efficiency, and the competitiveness of the economy in the coming period.

Party General Secretary To Lam has highlighted groundbreaking actions and spreading results as the guiding motto for 2026, marking a shift from the “start-up and runway” phase in 2025 to a period of acceleration in the development of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

Scientists at the American Museum of Natural History have unveiled a list of more than 70 species newly identified over the past year, including two noteworthy discoveries from Viet Nam: a rare sucker-mouthed minnow and a bee distinguished by its teddy bear-like appearance.

A scientific and educational forum themed “Russia–Viet Nam: 75 Years of Cooperation,” held from December 11 to 13, officially launched the Russia–Viet Nam Year of Scientific and Educational Cooperation 2026.

On November 21, in Sydney, Australia, a delegation of central and local leaders of Viet Nam attended the closing ceremony of a short-term training programme at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), organised under Conclusion No. 39-KL/TW of the Politburo.

On November 13, Viet Nam National University, Ha Noi (VNU) held a conference to contribute feedback on the draft documents to be submitted to the 14th National Party Congress, reflecting the responsibility, intellect, and dedication of the nation’s intellectual community in providing input for the vision, goals, and strategic policies for national development.

Concluding a conference on the establishment of the International Financial Centre (IFC) in Viet Nam on November 1, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh underscored that despite challenges, efforts must be accelerated to ensure the centre is up and running this November.

The Government has issued Decree No. 249/2025/ND-CP, setting out mechanisms and policies to attract experts in the fields of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

Party General Secretary To Lam has repeatedly emphasised that breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation will be the key to driving the nation forward in realising its development aspirations.

"Risk acceptance" represents a breakthrough mindset in the development of science, technology, and innovation. It is a mechanism to encourage innovation—not a shield to cover up failure. However, without clearly distinguishing between objective risks and violations of law, the policy may be misused.

The 2025 Press Awards on Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation have been officially launched. Entries will be accepted from June 25 to November 15.