Identify the right focus, avoid spreading yourself too thin.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has recently issued a document requesting ministries, sectors, localities, and relevant organizations to review and propose amendments and additions to the strategic technologies and strategic technology products issued by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 1131/QD-TTg dated June 12, 2025.

This activity aims to implement the directive of General Secretary To Lam, Head of the Central Steering Committee on Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation, at the thematic meeting on strategic technology of the Standing Committee of the Steering Committee.

According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, the review and adjustment of the list of strategic technologies must adhere to the criteria stipulated in the High-Tech Law No. 133/2025/QH15, while also aiming to improve productivity, competitiveness, form new industries, and ensure self-reliance in key sectors.

One of the key requirements is that the identification of strategic technologies must be based on three core factors: the need for development and enhancement of the economy's competitiveness; the advantages and potential of domestic industries; and the ability to form value chains and markets for technology products.

Notably, the Ministry emphasized the need to focus resources on a few truly key areas, resolutely overcoming the situation of scattered and wasteful investment.

Approaches from two technology groups.

According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, the list of strategic technologies is oriented towards two main groups. The first group includes technologies that already have a market and can create a large, direct impact on the economy in the short term, such as agriculture, forestry and fisheries, processing industries, textiles, footwear, construction, steel, and energy.

The second group consists of technologies that create new growth drivers, are fundamental to the future, or ensure self-reliance in the fields of security and defense. These are areas with high scientific content and require long-term investment, such as high-speed rail technology, quantum technology, missile technology, small-scale nuclear reactors, or low-orbit space technology (small satellites, UAVs, etc.).

For each strategic technology or technological product, the Ministry of Science and Technology requires that key aspects be clearly defined, such as: development objectives; output targets; the problem to be solved; application areas; target markets; and opportunities and challenges in international competition.

In particular, proposals need to clarify the potential for import substitution, export potential, and forecast the impact on related sectors, especially the potential for creating dual-use products.

In addition, preliminary economic and social efficiency assessments are also mandated as a basis for determining priorities, support mechanisms, and implementation methods.

Another important aspect is the requirement to clearly identify the stakeholders involved in the implementation, including the lead agency, coordinating agencies, leading enterprises, end-users, as well as the needs for testing infrastructure, data, standards, and intellectual property.

At the same time, the Ministry also requested the development of a mechanism for monitoring, supervising, and evaluating the implementation nationwide, ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of strategic technology programs.

The Ministry of Science and Technology requests that ministries, sectors, localities, and relevant organizations urgently review, adjust, supplement, and register the list of strategic technologies and strategic technology products according to the attached guidelines.

Proposals should be submitted to the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Central Party Office before April 5, 2026, for compilation and reporting to the Standing Committee of the Steering Committee before being submitted to the competent authority for consideration and decision.