Vietnam Identifies 10 Strategic Technology Groups to Drive Future Industrial Growth

Vietnam has identified 10 strategic technology groups covering artificial intelligence, semiconductors, robotics, advanced energy and rail technologies as part of a broader effort to strengthen national competitiveness and develop new technology-driven industries.

The list was introduced under Decision No. 21/2026/QD-TTg and took effect on 1 July 2026. It replaces the previous strategic technology list issued in June 2025.

The framework is designed to prioritise technologies considered important to Vietnam’s long-term economic development, industrial capability and technological independence.

AI, Automation and Semiconductors Among Priority Technologies

Vietnam’s 10 strategic technology groups include:

• Artificial intelligence, big data, digital twins, cloud and edge computing, Internet of Things and blockchain
• Next-generation mobile network technologies
• Robotics and automation
• Advanced biotechnology and biomedicine
• Advanced energy and materials technologies
• Semiconductor technologies
• Cybersecurity and quantum technologies
• Marine, ocean and underground technologies
• Aerospace technologies
• High-speed and urban railway technologies

The list reflects Vietnam’s effort to develop capabilities across both digital and physical industrial technologies, spanning advanced manufacturing, energy, infrastructure and transportation.

30 Strategic Technology Products Identified

Alongside the 10 technology groups, the government has identified 30 strategic technology products divided into two categories.

The first category covers technologies with established markets and the potential to contribute directly to economic growth.

These include Vietnamese large language models, specialised AI systems, edge AI cameras, digital twin platforms, cloud platforms, 5G and 5G-Advanced equipment, industrial robots and smart manufacturing solutions.

Cybersecurity systems for critical infrastructure and national databases are also included.

Other priorities cover advanced batteries and energy storage, green hydrogen, high-voltage electrical equipment, carbon capture systems, UAVs and advanced biotechnology products.

Advanced Manufacturing Moves Higher on the Agenda

Industrial automation and smart manufacturing feature prominently in the new framework.

Vietnam has identified autonomous mobile robots, industrial robots and smart manufacturing solutions as strategic products, supporting the country’s push towards more automated and technology-intensive production.

Digital twins, edge computing and industrial AI are also included among the technologies expected to support future industrial development.

The combination of AI, automation and connected technologies could strengthen Vietnam’s position as manufacturers increasingly adopt Industry 4.0 technologies across production environments.

Semiconductor Development Remains a Strategic Priority

Semiconductors are another major focus.

The framework includes semiconductor chip technologies as one of the 10 strategic groups, while specialised semiconductor chips are listed among technologies expected to create new growth engines and strengthen national technological capability.

Vietnam has been expanding its semiconductor ecosystem through investments in chip design, manufacturing, packaging, testing and engineering talent.

The new strategic technology framework provides further policy support for developing domestic capability within the semiconductor value chain.

Energy and Critical Infrastructure Technologies Included

Vietnam is also prioritising technologies linked to energy security and infrastructure development.

Strategic products include:

• Advanced energy storage and battery systems
• Green hydrogen and biofuel technologies
• High-voltage electrical equipment
• Carbon capture, utilisation and storage systems
• Small modular nuclear reactors
• Offshore energy exploration technologies

These areas are expected to support Vietnam’s energy transition while strengthening domestic technological capabilities in critical infrastructure.

Rail Technology Added to Strategic Development Areas

High-speed and urban railway technologies have also been included in the national framework.

Strategic products cover high-speed railway construction as well as industrial platforms, vehicles and integrated systems for high-speed and urban railways.

The inclusion comes as Vietnam moves ahead with major rail infrastructure plans and looks to develop more domestic engineering and manufacturing capability around future transport projects.

Building Domestic Technology Capability

The Ministry of Science and Technology will coordinate with other ministries and government agencies to periodically review the strategic technology list based on Vietnam’s economic and development priorities.

The framework reflects Vietnam’s broader push to move beyond technology adoption and develop stronger domestic capability in areas including AI, semiconductors, automation, advanced energy and transport infrastructure.

By prioritising technologies with both industrial and strategic importance, Vietnam is seeking to create new growth industries while strengthening its role in regional high-tech manufacturing and technology development.