Vietnam leads in innovation through technology and creativity

Vietnam has made significant progress in innovation, according to the 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII) released by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). For the first time, the country has been ranked first globally for creative goods exports, marking a milestone in its journey toward smart, innovation-driven growth.

Dr Nguyen Huu Xuyen, Deputy Director of the Institute of Strategy under the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Academy of Science and Technology Strategy, noted that Vietnam’s leading position in creative goods exports reflects not only growth in production volume and value but also the country’s expanding creative capacity.

Products now increasingly feature innovation, design and cultural identity, moving beyond simple, low-cost manufacturing toward high-tech, value-added and creative goods. According to Dr Xuyen, a higher share of creative goods in total trade directly strengthens a country’s GII score and overall ranking.

Vietnam currently ranks 44th overall out of 139 economies and second among lower-middle-income countries. Despite these achievements, structural challenges persist. Input indicators such as R&D capacity, higher education, skilled human resources and research infrastructure remain modest, placing Vietnam 50th globally.

While this represents a three-rank improvement from 2024, progress is uneven and the country’s high ranking in creative goods exports continues to rely heavily on foreign-invested enterprises.

To sustain and enhance its position, Dr Xuyen stressed the need for stronger investment in research and development, particularly from the private sector, as well as improving research quality in universities and institutes.

Increasing the number of international patents and fostering closer cooperation between academia, research institutions and businesses will be essential to translating research into commercially viable innovation.

He also highlighted the importance of strengthening intellectual property laws, shortening registration timelines and improving mechanisms for commercialising inventions to protect and encourage innovation.

Human resource development remains a critical factor, especially in STEM education, digital design, high-tech industries and the creative arts. Supporting start-ups, improving access to finance, protecting brands and helping businesses expand internationally are all measures that can further drive innovation across the economy.

Dr Xuyen emphasised that Vietnam’s innovation trajectory is closely tied to major Party resolutions, particularly Resolution 57-NQ/TW, which outlines breakthroughs in science, technology and innovation.

Sustaining effective policies, improving transparency, reducing administrative barriers and positioning enterprises at the centre of innovation will be key to consolidating and improving the country’s GII ranking.

He also highlighted the importance of brand building and investing in creative industries, along with transforming intellectual assets into economic value. Promoting science and technology markets, strengthening IP protection and accelerating the commercialisation of research outcomes can help Vietnam move beyond contract manufacturing toward knowledge-based and creative production.

Illustrating this push, a modern machine learning system operates at Da Nang Hi-Tech Park, reflecting the country’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology for economic development.

Vietnam’s achievements in creative goods exports, coupled with ongoing investments in R&D and human capital, signal a clear shift toward a more innovative, knowledge-driven economy that can compete on the global stage.

Vietnam is keen to deploy cutting-edge technologies across multiple sectors, with a particular focus on AI. As OpenGov Asia reported, Vietnam has rapidly advanced in AI development, ranking among ASEAN’s leaders in readiness, trust and adoption, while attracting investment, fostering talent and positioning itself as a regional technology hub.

The country is integrating AI into manufacturing, healthcare, finance and public services to enhance efficiency, drive innovation and support data-driven decision-making. By embracing advanced technologies, Vietnam aims to accelerate digital transformation, boost productivity and strengthen its position in the global innovation landscape.

With continued investment in technology, innovation and human capital, Vietnam is poised to strengthen its global leadership and transition toward a knowledge- and technology-driven economy.

Opengovasia.com – September 20, 2025