Vietnam seeks better framework to tap diaspora talent and expertise

Harnessing the full potential of Vietnam's overseas intellectual capital requires more than goodwill, according to diaspora leaders and experts discussing mechanisms to strengthen ties with the homeland.

Associate Professor Vu Viet Hung, president of the Canadian Vietnamese Scientists and Experts Association, said the success of overseas Vietnamese (OV) contributions hinges on three critical factors: how programmes are structured, how resources are distributed, and how effectively different stakeholders coordinate their efforts. Without attention to these elements, even well-intentioned initiatives may fail to deliver meaningful results.

Overseas Vietnamese professionals and academics represent a significant untapped resource for Vietnam's development agenda. Experts note that diaspora members can serve multiple roles—acting as economic bridges to key markets like Japan, facilitating knowledge transfer in cutting-edge fields, and bringing international best practices back to Vietnam.

Recognizing this potential, Vietnam has begun opening new pathways for diaspora engagement. Scientific innovation competitions now welcome participation from overseas Vietnamese, creating formal channels to connect global talent with domestic research institutions and enterprises. Such initiatives reflect a broader shift toward systematic approaches rather than ad-hoc collaboration.

Stakeholders emphasize that sustainable diaspora engagement requires long-term commitment, clear governance structures, and genuine integration of overseas Vietnamese perspectives into national planning processes. As Vietnam pursues higher-value economic development, diaspora expertise in science, technology, and business could become increasingly vital to achieving ambitious growth targets.