In a sweeping move to bolster its scientific and technological prowess, Vietnam is poised to offer unprecedented incentives to leading scientists, engineers, and experts under a draft Law on Science, Technology and Innovation proposed by the Ministry of Science and Technology. If enacted, the legislation could provide state-funded housing, official vehicles, special salary packages, and significant autonomy to key personnel in critical projects, marking a transformative step in the country’s ambition to become a regional leader in high technology.
The draft law, currently under consideration, aims to attract and retain top talent by addressing longstanding challenges in the scientific community, such as inadequate funding, limited resources, and bureaucratic hurdles. Beyond material benefits, it proposes financial and human resource support for scientific mandates, autonomy in purchasing patents and technological know-how within allocated budgets, and the freedom to hire both domestic and international experts. Additionally, key personnel would receive funding to attend national and international conferences, alongside greater control over their research tasks.
A Lifeline for Young Scientists and Foreign Experts
The proposal extends its reach beyond established professionals, offering tailored support for young scientists and engineers. Subsidies for tuition and living expenses during domestic and overseas research or academic exchanges are included, a measure designed to nurture the next generation of innovators. This focus on youth underscores Vietnam’s recognition that long-term success in science and technology hinges on cultivating talent early. 
Foreign experts and overseas Vietnamese with exceptional records are also in the spotlight. The draft outlines preferential treatment regarding immigration, residency, and work permits for international professionals in priority fields. Similarly, researchers from the private sector and those with outstanding achievements or prestigious awards could be appointed to state scientific roles without the usual competitive exams or years-of-service requirements. The Ministry of Science and Technology has framed these mechanisms as a cornerstone of the policy, aimed at expanding and diversifying the country’s scientific workforce.
The incentives are not merely about recruitment but also retention. By offering competitive income policies and improved living conditions, the government hopes to lure high-calibre Vietnamese professionals currently working abroad back to their homeland, while also enticing foreign experts to settle in Vietnam. This dual approach reflects a broader vision of fostering a professional environment where top scientists and engineers can thrive.
Technology as Vietnam’s ‘Magic Wand’
The urgency of this legislative push was articulated by Professor Nguyễn Đình Đức, Chairman of the University of Technology council under Hanoi National University. In a powerful endorsement of the draft law, Đức argued that high technology is the key to national prosperity and strength, drawing parallels with the experiences of Japan, South Korea, India, and China. “Vietnam has no other path,” he declared,).
Đức described cutting-edge technology as Vietnam’s ‘magic wand’ to ascend as a prosperous and powerful nation on the world stage. He stressed that human talent is the country’s greatest resource and competitive advantage, urging swift and bold investment in higher education and scientific personnel. His call for courageous funding of high-risk research, despite the potential for failure, reflects a pragmatic yet ambitious mindset. “We must dare to invest in advanced technology and accept failures to achieve greater successes,” he said.
Beyond individual incentives, Đức advocated for universities and research institutes to lead Vietnam’s digital transformation. He proposed robust investments in technology infrastructure, data systems, and AI applications, positioning these institutions as models for national efforts. Furthermore, he suggested establishing new research groups in critical high-tech fields tied to economic growth and national security, with universities serving as hubs for such ambitious initiatives.
Addressing Systemic Challenges
Vietnam’s scientific community has long grappled with systemic issues, including limited funding, brain drain, and bureaucratic constraints. Many talented professionals have sought opportunities abroad due to better resources and career prospects, a trend the government is now determined to reverse. The draft law’s emphasis on autonomy—allowing scientists to manage their tasks and budgets independently—signals a departure from traditional top-down approaches, potentially fostering a more dynamic research environment.
The proposal to streamline recruitment into state scientific roles is equally significant. By waiving competitive exams for individuals with exceptional records, the government aims to cut through red tape and expedite the integration of talent into critical projects. This measure, combined with incentives for foreign experts, could position Vietnam as an attractive destination for global scientific collaboration.
However, questions remain about the implementation of these policies. While the draft outlines a comprehensive framework, funding allocations and the mechanisms for distributing benefits have yet to be clarified. If resources are not equitably distributed or if bureaucratic inefficiencies persist, the law’s impact could be limited. Analysts suggest that transparency and accountability will be crucial to ensuring the incentives reach the intended beneficiaries and deliver tangible results.
A Step Towards Global Competitiveness
Vietnam’s push to attract scientific talent comes at a time when the global race for technological supremacy is intensifying. Nations across Asia and beyond are investing heavily in innovation, with countries like China and South Korea setting benchmarks in AI, robotics, and renewable energy. For Vietnam, a country historically reliant on agriculture and manufacturing, transitioning to a knowledge-based economy is both a challenge and an opportunity.
The draft law aligns with broader national goals, including the Socio-Economic Development Strategy for 2021-2030, which prioritizes science and technology as drivers of sustainable growth. By fostering a conducive environment for research and innovation, Vietnam hopes to not only address domestic challenges—such as environmental sustainability and industrial modernization—but also carve out a niche in the global tech landscape.
If successful, these incentives could catalyze breakthroughs in priority areas. For instance, advancements in wastewater treatment systems using membrane technology, as showcased in recent educational initiatives, highlight the potential for homegrown innovation to solve pressing issues. Such projects, supported by empowered scientists, could position Vietnam as a leader in sustainable technologies, contributing to both national development and global environmental goals.
Challenges and Conditional Outcomes
While the draft law has been met with optimism, its success is not guaranteed. The financial burden of providing housing, vehicles, and salary packages for a growing pool of scientists could strain state budgets, particularly if economic conditions falter. Additionally, attracting foreign talent requires more than incentives; it demands a cultural and professional environment that supports diversity and collaboration. If these elements are not addressed, the policy may fall short of its ambitious goals, though no evidence currently suggests such an outcome.
There is also the risk that high-risk research investments, as advocated by Professor Đức, may yield limited returns in the short term. While breakthroughs could transform Vietnam’s technological landscape, failures are an inherent part of innovation. The government’s willingness to embrace such risks will be a litmus test of its commitment to long-term scientific progress.
A Vision for the Future
Vietnam stands at a pivotal moment in its development trajectory. The draft Law on Science, Technology and Innovation represents a bold vision to harness human talent as the cornerstone of national progress. By offering unprecedented incentives, streamlining recruitment, and fostering autonomy, the government is laying the groundwork for a scientific renaissance that could elevate Vietnam’s standing on the global stage.
As Professor Đức aptly noted, the achievements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution are reshaping the world at an unprecedented pace. For Vietnam, embracing this wave of change is not just an option but a necessity. Whether the proposed incentives will deliver the desired transformation remains to be seen, but the intent is clear: to position Vietnam as a hub of innovation and a magnet for the world’s brightest minds.
With careful implementation and sustained investment, this draft law could mark the beginning of a new era for Vietnam’s scientific community—one where talent is nurtured, risks are embraced, and innovation drives the nation forward. For now, the country watches with anticipation as this ambitious policy takes shape, holding the promise of a future built on knowledge and discovery.
