Brian Jeffrey
The Ministry of Science and Technology has unveiled a list of 21 major scientific and technological challenges. This initiative is a critical move toward fulfilling Resolution 57 and is expected to catalyze significant advancements in Vietnam’s science and technology landscape.
These 21 challenges are designed to strengthen the nation’s competitive edge, propel digital transformation, and spark innovation while advancing technology. They offer Vietnamese digital enterprises tangible issues to address, laying a robust groundwork for the country’s long-term sustainable development in a rapidly globalizing world.
The challenges encompass a variety of essential domains, such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), biotechnology, and blockchain technology. Key areas of focus include creating a national biological data platform that uses AI, developing smart digital infrastructures and sensors for sustainable aquaculture, and researching next-generation 5G and 6G technologies.
Additionally, other crucial initiatives involve the research and development of low-Earth orbit satellites, crafting domestically developed AI models, establishing a semiconductor chip manufacturing facility, launching a blockchain service network, and creating a system for analyzing and mapping industrial property data to bolster national innovation.
The Ministry encourages Vietnamese digital technology businesses to take the lead in conducting research, gathering resources, and engaging in solving these recognized challenges. Departments affiliated with the Ministry will oversee each challenge, providing support, coordination, and information to promote enterprise involvement.
The ultimate aim is to foster an innovative ecosystem in Vietnam, encourage collaboration at both domestic and international levels, and strengthen the country’s position while enhancing the application of science and technology across critical sectors.
Here’s the list of the 21 major challenges in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation:
Create a national biological data platform that integrates AI for the research, development, and commercialization of biotechnological products in Vietnam.
Utilize AI and IoT to monitor livestock health, track diseases, and improve the veterinary-livestock supply chain in Vietnam.
Design smart digital systems and sensors for sustainable aquaculture.
Establish a digital forest resource management and monitoring system using advanced technologies, remote sensing, and AI.
Create SNP Chips and use bioinformatics to enhance plant and animal breeding, minimize production costs, and ensure food and environmental safety.
Investigate and develop AI- and IoT-driven post-harvest methods to maintain and stabilize agricultural products that meet export standards.
Develop eco-friendly additives and sustainable concrete materials for coastal and island infrastructure, supporting marine ecosystem conservation and the blue economy.
Construct intelligent systems for strategic mineral extraction and processing, using IoT, AI, and clean technology to promote localization and sustainability.
Establish a real-time online management system for scientific and technology projects funded by the National Science and Technology Development Fund.
Research and manufacture advanced 5G devices, including core networks and transmission systems.
Investigate the production of 6G equipment.
Build a compact, high-tech semiconductor chip manufacturing facility for research, training, design, prototyping, testing, and production.
Research, create, and build low-Earth orbit satellites.
Develop virtual assistants tailored for government officials and public workers.
Design “Make in Vietnam” AI models in various domains, including language, imagery, audio, and data—specifically a Vietnamese language model with at least 100 billion parameters that deeply understands legal, financial, agricultural, cultural, and historical contexts.
Create digital twins for urban areas and IoT systems, including 3D national maps that cover infrastructure, environmental conditions, transportation, logistics, education, healthcare, commerce, disease tracking, and spatial data from underground and satellites.
Launch an IoT management and connection platform that facilitates spatial simulation, monitoring, data analysis, and scenario planning for green, digital, and smart urban development.
Invest in an 80 MW domestic cloud computing facility.
Establish a national blockchain service network.
Develop a “Blockchain as a Service” platform to assist enterprises in applying blockchain for managing information related to products and services.
Create a system for analyzing and mapping industrial property data to support national technological and innovation efforts.
