Politics · Vietnam Bureau
Vietnam advances innovation rankings amid strategic technology push
Vietnam has climbed to 43rd place in the latest Global Innovation Index while maintaining its position as a global leader in high-tech exports. Senior government officials have emphasized that national laboratories must prioritize strategic technologies to sustain the country's innovation momentum.
LSN Vietnam ·
Vietnam's innovation sector continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, with the country ranking 43rd in the 2025-2026 Global Innovation Index reports. The ranking reflects steady progress in the nation's efforts to strengthen its technological capabilities and research infrastructure across multiple sectors.
Among Vietnam's standout achievements is its global leadership in the share of high-tech exports and creative goods relative to total trade, a position the country has maintained consecutively in both the 2025 and 2026 GII reports. This metric underscores Vietnam's success in leveraging its manufacturing base and creative industries to drive export competitiveness in an increasingly knowledge-based global economy.
Regionally, Hanoi has secured the top position in the 2026 Provincial Innovation Index, reinforcing the capital's status as the nation's primary innovation hub. The city's dominance reflects concentrated investment in research facilities, technology parks, and human capital development.
Deputy Prime Minister has called for national key laboratories to sharpen their focus on strategic technologies, signaling government intent to align research priorities with economic and security objectives. The directive suggests that Vietnam aims to move beyond general innovation metrics toward targeted technological advancement in areas critical to national development and competitiveness.