On the afternoon of August 5, the Ministry of Science and Technology held its regular July press conference.

Exceeding salary frameworks, providing housing… are minimum conditions

Speaking at the press conference, it was stated that the passage of the 2025 Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation has created a transparent legal framework, recognizing and empowering scientists in intellectual property, finance, and commercial exploitation rights.

Simultaneously, it establishes more attractive financial and non-financial incentive policies for high-quality human resources in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

It allows flexible remuneration mechanisms, including exceeding salary frameworks, to attract, retain, and leverage talent, especially overseas Vietnamese experts.

Additionally, the National Assembly has passed the 2025 Digital Technology Industry Law, aiming to concretize policies for developing the digital technology industry into a pillar economic sector, playing a key role in attracting and developing technology talent.

The law includes superior preferential policies to develop the semiconductor industry and establish a semiconductor ecosystem in Vietnam. It also lays the legal foundation for artificial intelligence (AI) and digital assets.

“The Ministry of Science and Technology affirms that in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, high-quality human resources and talent are decisive factors that cannot be attracted through rigid policies.

Exceeding salary frameworks, providing housing, and improving working conditions should not be seen as privileges but as minimum requirements to ensure those capable of breakthroughs can work with peace of mind.”

Mechanism to 'exceed salary framework' to attract science and technology talent is not a 'privilege' - Image 2.

Changing the approach to businesses and scientists

On June 12, the Prime Minister issued a list of strategic technologies and strategic technology products, affirming the highest political commitment to mastering strategic technologies to drive economic growth and solve major national challenges.

Shortly afterward, the Ministry of Science and Technology conducted surveys and working sessions with major enterprises and institutions nationwide to identify specific strategic technologies, strategic technology products, investment scales, and the strategic participation capacity of businesses and institutions.

Simultaneously, it widely announced funding plans for strategic technology development projects on the Nafosted Fund portal and the National Innovation Portal to invite organizations, individuals, and businesses to register for research and development of strategic technologies.

In August 2025, the Ministry of Science and Technology will submit to the Prime Minister three strategic technology products to prioritize immediate implementation, serving socio-economic development, setting examples, drawing lessons, inspiring confidence, and affirming Vietnam’s ability to master strategic technologies.

Subsequently, the ministry will submit to the Prime Minister for approval the National Project on Strategic Technology Development until 2030, with a vision to 2035, including a National Science and Technology Program for Strategic Technology Development, comprising 11 sub-programs corresponding to 11 strategic technology groups. Each sub-program will be led by a ministry or sector.

It will also submit to the Prime Minister for approval a project to develop a system of shared research centers and key laboratories focused on strategic technologies, located in institutions, high-tech zones, following an open model with public-private collaboration, allowing access and use by all parties.

The Ministry of Science and Technology now requires units to proactively engage with research institutions and businesses to commission research, unlike before when entities had to register topics with the ministry. Currently, the ministry has worked with about 38 units.

“The Ministry of Science and Technology understands strategic technologies, new technologies, and the country’s emerging needs best, so it actively commissions businesses, research institutions, and scientists—a significant shift from the past.”

In July 2025, the Ministry of Science and Technology recorded total industry revenue estimated at nearly 499 billion VND, a sharp increase of 22.6% compared to the same period last year, contributing over 107 trillion VND

2025 Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation

The **2025 Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation** is a legislative framework designed to promote research, technological advancement, and innovation within a country (specific nation may vary by context). It aims to strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, and government while providing funding and regulatory support for cutting-edge developments. The law reflects a growing global emphasis on fostering sustainable growth through science and technology-driven policies.

*(Note: If referring to a specific country’s law, additional details about its historical context or goals would be included.)*

2025 Digital Technology Industry Law

The **2025 Digital Technology Industry Law** is a proposed or enacted legislation aimed at regulating and promoting the growth of the digital technology sector by 2025. It likely focuses on areas such as data governance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure to enhance innovation and economic competitiveness. The law may also address ethical standards and international cooperation in the tech industry, reflecting global trends in digital policy. (Note: If this refers to a specific law in a particular country, additional details about its origin and provisions would be needed for a more precise summary.)

Nafosted Fund portal

The **Nafosted Fund Portal** is an online platform managed by Vietnam’s **National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (Nafosted)**, which supports scientific research and technological innovation in the country. Established in 2008, Nafosted provides funding for projects in natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences, aiming to enhance Vietnam’s research capabilities. The portal serves as a hub for researchers to apply for grants, track project progress, and access funding opportunities.

National Innovation Portal

The **National Innovation Portal** is an online platform launched by the Indian government to showcase innovations by grassroots inventors, researchers, and startups. Developed under the **Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)**, it aims to foster a culture of creativity and problem-solving by providing a centralized database of indigenous innovations. The portal highlights India’s rich tradition of ingenuity, featuring solutions across sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and technology.

National Project on Strategic Technology Development until 2030

The **National Project on Strategic Technology Development until 2030** is a South Korean government initiative aimed at advancing key technologies to strengthen national competitiveness and economic growth. Launched as part of broader innovation strategies, it focuses on sectors like AI, semiconductors, and green energy, aligning with global technological trends. The project builds on previous policies to position South Korea as a leader in cutting-edge industries by 2030.

National Science and Technology Program for Strategic Technology Development

The **National Science and Technology Program for Strategic Technology Development** is a South Korean government initiative aimed at advancing key strategic technologies to enhance national competitiveness. Launched to drive innovation in fields like semiconductors, AI, and biotechnology, it supports research, development, and industrial collaboration. The program reflects South Korea’s commitment to maintaining leadership in cutting-edge technologies and fostering long-term economic growth.

system of shared research centers

A system of shared research centers refers to a collaborative network of facilities where institutions pool resources to conduct advanced research across various disciplines. These centers often emerge to maximize funding, equipment, and expertise, enabling large-scale projects that individual institutions could not support alone. Historically, such systems have been pivotal in scientific and technological advancements, fostering innovation through shared knowledge and infrastructure.

key laboratories

“Key laboratories” typically refer to prominent research facilities, often affiliated with universities, governments, or corporations, that focus on cutting-edge scientific and technological advancements. These laboratories have played significant roles in history, such as the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (founded in 1931), which contributed to nuclear research and discoveries in physics. Today, they remain vital for innovation, addressing global challenges in fields like energy, medicine, and artificial intelligence.