A shift in thinking on digital technology

Technology enterprises and Viet Nam’s digital development turning point

Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo represents a significant shift in development thinking. For the first time, strategic technologies such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) and big data have been identified as new growth drivers, while the digital technology industry has been positioned as a foundational sector. Although the resolution has been in effect for just over a year, it has quickly permeated economic and social life, moving beyond strategic orientation to deliver tangible results.

Looking back at 2025, Viet Nam’s digital technology industry recorded revenue of approximately 198 billion USD, up 26% year on year, contributing more than 1 quadrillion VND (38 billion USD) to GDP.

Digital infrastructure continued to expand, with 5G coverage reaching 90% of the population and mobile internet speeds ranking among the world’s top 20. Viet Nam has made a fundamental transition from primarily processing and assembly to independent research and mastery of core strategic technologies, including 5G infrastructure equipment, data centres, cloud computing and AI, while gradually integrating into the global semiconductor supply chain. This provides a foundation for Vietnamese technology enterprises to move beyond “mastery” towards a higher goal: leadership.

The world today no longer competes on cheap labour or large markets, but on science, technology, innovation and data.

Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung

From a strategic perspective, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung stressed that the world today no longer competes on cheap labour or large markets, but on science, technology, innovation and data. Countries capable of mastering core technologies, holding strategic technologies and shaping standards and ecosystems are those with the ability to lead.

During the 2020–2025 period, the Make in Viet Nam orientation helped technology enterprises develop capabilities in design, innovation and product deployment. By 2025, more than 2,000 digital technology companies had entered international markets with revenues exceeding 15 billion USD, demonstrating established technological mastery. The next stage requires a shift towards “creating in Viet Nam, producing in Viet Nam to lead”, through the development of core platforms in digital infrastructure, data, AI, cloud computing and cyber security.

Building platforms and ecosystems

While Resolution No. 57 sets the strategic vision, the next challenge lies in effective implementation and in building a sufficiently strong ecosystem to realise the goal of moving “from mastery to leadership”.

Despite positive momentum, Viet Nam’s digital technology ecosystem still faces bottlenecks. Some corporate initiatives remain slow or fall short of expectations amid limited investment in research and development, rapid technological change and global market volatility.

At the same time, some enterprises remain cautious, waiting for a more complete legal framework, including key laws on the digital technology industry, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and high technology.

Observers note that Viet Nam still lacks a sufficient number of large technology enterprises with the scale and influence to lead supply chains. Innovation capacity and R&D investment remain constrained, while the number of patents and commercially applied solutions is limited. This highlights the need to develop a cohort of leading technology enterprises, supported by strong policy mechanisms, to form major technology groups capable of ecosystem leadership and close linkage with small and medium-sized enterprises.

Viettel Group Chairman Tao Duc Thang argued that, as technology becomes increasingly tied to national security and sovereignty, mastering core technologies is not merely a development requirement but a strategic responsibility. Viettel has invested long-term in R&D, mastered multiple core technologies, developed five key high-tech industries and participated deeply in nine of the eleven national strategic technology groups.

From an infrastructure perspective, VNPT Group Chairman To Dung Thai emphasised that digital infrastructure should no longer be viewed as mere technical “pipelines”, but as a Make in Viet Nam product. Designed with openness and shared use in mind, digital infrastructure—built on next-generation connectivity, Cloud-AI and secure data platforms—must serve as a “runway” for Vietnamese technology products.

Meanwhile, FPT Group CEO Nguyen Van Khoa noted that over the past five years, outsourcing has declined from around 90% of FPT’s business to 30%, replaced by systematic investment in core technologies such as AI, data, digital infrastructure, cyber security and semiconductors, aligning corporate strategy closely with national priorities.

Across these perspectives, a common trend is emerging: Vietnamese technology enterprises are no longer followers, but are gradually assuming the role of creators and leaders. This maturation is generating momentum across the entire ecosystem, from research and production to domestic and global markets.

Minister Nguyen Manh Hung affirmed that in the new development phase, the key question is not who makes a product, but whether it can lead markets and shape new approaches. Leadership does not come from fragmented applications, but from solving major national challenges such as smart urban governance, digital healthcare, digital education, clean energy, AI, and digital safety and security.

Entering the 2026–2030 period, Make in Viet Nam is being elevated with the message: “Make in Viet Nam to lead”. Technology enterprises must not only produce products, but master technology, design, data and intellectual property. The State builds enabling institutions and policies; enterprises pioneer long-term investment; and the market tests real capability and value. This is the foundation for an ecosystem capable of leadership and for strengthening Viet Nam’s competitive position in the digital era.

Link to the original article