Shifting Viet Nam - Australia science and technology cooperation from "technology transfer" to "joint research, joint development"

On the morning of August 10, 2026, at the Viet Nam - Australia Forum on Science, Technology, Innovation, Investment, and Education (Tech Connect Viet Nam - Australia 2026) in Australia, Minister Vu Hai Quan highlighted the increasingly vital role of science, technology, innovation, digital transformation (STI & DT), and education in the Viet Nam - Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

According to the Minister, the two countries have established a strong foundation for cooperation in STI and education. Notably, the 10-year Aus4Innovation program (2018–2028) has served as a vital bridge connecting regulatory agencies, research institutes, and enterprises.

The Australia - Viet Nam Strategic Technology Centre is expanding its research scope from 5G/6G to artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, cybersecurity, and quantum technology.

In 2026, the Ministry of Science and Technology of Viet Nam approved the Research Cooperation Program focusing on strategic technologies for the 2026–2028 period. On this occasion, both sides will also sign a Cooperation Agreement on Digital Economy and a Research Cooperation Agreement on Sustainable Aquaculture Development in Viet Nam, aim to concretize Resolution No. 20-NQ/TW of the 3rd Plenum of the 14th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam on developing Viet Nam into a strong maritime nation.

 Three strategic shifts in science and technology cooperation

Minister Vu Hai Quan noted that while the foundation for bilateral cooperation is well-established, the key task for the next phase is connecting programs, research facilities, capital sources, and markets into a high-impact collaborative ecosystem.

Accordingly, the new phase requires three major shifts: Moving from experience sharing to jointly identifying and solving major national development challenges; Shifting from technology transfer to joint research, co-funding, and co-creating intellectual property and new products; Transitioning from isolated projects to building a long-term collaborative ecosystem.

Guided by these principles, Minister Vu Hai Quan proposed three key areas of cooperation:

First, jointly researching and developing strategic technologies, placing enterprises at the center of the innovation chain. The Minister stated that both sides must pool resources into AI, semiconductors, cybersecurity, quantum technology, biotechnology, clean energy, and marine technology. Each research initiative should build a seamless collaborative chain - ranging from market demand and testing to full commercialization.

He urged both parties to continue developing the Strategic Technology Centre into a shared platform, while connecting venture capital funds and technology investment sources to help turn high-potential laboratory inventions into commercial products.

In 2026, Viet Nam is allocating 1 million USD to the Strategic Technology Centre and approximately 3 million USD to 10 joint strategic technology research projects out of more than 100 proposals submitted to the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Second, accelerating digital economy and digital transformation cooperation, tied to market connectivity and commercialization for enterprises. The Minister suggested that Viet Nam and Australia select specific industries and businesses to implement digital transformation and AI deployment projects.

These projects will address practical business challenges while providing empirical data to help governments refine policies. This approach will also help translate the upcoming Digital Economy Cooperation Framework into concrete outcomes.

Third, jointly investing in human capital and long-term research capacity. Viet Nam and Australia enjoy strong advantages in education and people-to-people links. Australia possesses world-class universities and research institutions, while Viet Nam offers a young pool of engineers, fast-growing tech firms, and a large vibrant diaspora of Vietnamese intellectuals in Australia.

Building on these strengths, the two countries can establish joint research groups, shared laboratories, and exchange programs that enable scientists to work directly alongside businesses.

Minister Vu Hai Quan with representatives of enterprises, research institutes, and universities showcasing products at Tech Connect Vietnam - Australia 2026.

Calling on Vietnamese talent in Australia to develop strategic technologies

Addressing Vietnamese students and scientists studying and working in Australia, Minister Vu Hai Quan emphasized that Viet Nam is actively implementing talent-attraction policies to facilitate research and mastery of strategic technologies.

He highlighted that compensation policies have been benchmarked against Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Furthermore, a list of national testing centers and key national laboratories has been issued, alongside open-door policies across universities and research institutes.

Minister Vu Hai Quan invited Vietnamese students and researchers in Australia to either return home or collaborate with domestic research groups to advance strategic technologies together.

Minister Vu Hai Quan and delegates witness the exchange of cooperation documents between Viet Nam and Australia.

"I hope Tech Connect will become a hub where ideas meet implementers, challenges meet technological solutions, and research outcomes meet businesses and markets," said Minister Vu Hai Quan.

He also expressed his expectation that Tech Connect will become an annual platform linking science, technology, and innovation between both nations, creating lasting opportunities among scientists, research centers, enterprises, and organizations across Viet Nam and Australia./.