Tech Startups Call for Robust Policy Frameworks and Ecosystem Support Following Resolution 57 to Drive Vietnam Digital Economy

Vietnam is currently experiencing a transformative era in its digital economy, spearheaded by the national strategy of technology localization and innovation. As the country positions itself to become a regional and global technology hub, policymakers and industry stakeholders are aligning their strategic visions to accelerate the growth of domestic tech enterprises. Amidst this backdrop, high-tech startups and industry pioneers are calling for enhanced institutional mechanisms, deep-seated regulatory backing, and a comprehensive ecosystem to support innovative enterprises. These sentiments were further amplified during recent national technology forums, where industry founders underscored the critical role of modern governance and strategic legislative milestones, such as Resolution 57, in shaping the future of Vietnam’s digital landscape.

The Evolution of the Make in Viet Nam Initiative

Launched by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), the Make in Viet Nam initiative has served as a foundational catalyst for the country’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Since its inception, the campaign has fundamentally shifted the mindset of domestic enterprises, moving them away from mere outsourcing toward proprietary product development, domestic value creation, and international market competitiveness.

The initiative has successfully fostered a culture of national pride, technological innovation, and self-reliance. Over the past several years, an increasing number of homegrown technologies, digital solutions, and high-tech products have successfully penetrated the market. These innovations span diverse sectors, including healthcare, finance, education, and enterprise management, demonstrating the capability of Vietnamese engineers to solve complex domestic challenges while maintaining global standards of excellence.

Strategic Growth Targets and Market Share Expansion

Current sector data indicates that the value-added contribution of Vietnamese ICT products accounts for approximately 32 percent of the total revenue generated by the industry. Looking ahead, the Ministry of Information and Communications has established an ambitious target to elevate this ratio to 50 percent by the year 2030. Achieving this milestone requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders within the quadruple helix of government, academia, research institutions, and private industry.

Industry experts emphasize that Vietnam possesses a distinct advantage in understanding the nuanced demands of its local market. By leveraging this localized expertise, homegrown technology firms can design solutions that directly address domestic pain points with greater precision than foreign alternatives. Furthermore, the growing influx of overseas Vietnamese talent returning to the homeland has introduced a fresh wave of advanced technical expertise, global management perspectives, and a deep-seated khao khát (aspiration) to build globally competitive products.

Resolution 57 as a Catalyst for Scientific and Technological Breakthroughs

The recent issuance of Resolution 57 by the Politburo marks a pivotal regulatory milestone aimed at achieving breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Industry leaders view this resolution as a vital institutional enabler that will directly empower technology startups and research-driven enterprises.

Startups operating in high-tech and emerging sectors face unique hurdles, primarily because their disruptive business models often lack established precedents for regulatory comparison. Consequently, business leaders have emphasized the critical need for supportive mechanisms—such as regulatory sandboxes—that enable novel applications and products to transition rapidly from concept to real-world deployment. Such frameworks allow companies to gather actionable user feedback, refine their technological offerings, and scale their operations sustainably.

Building a Comprehensive Tech Ecosystem: Beyond Industry Giants

While anchor enterprises and major technology conglomerates play an indispensable role in driving national digital transformation, the long-term resilience of Vietnam’s tech ecosystem depends heavily on the health of its smaller constituents. Industry advocates stress the importance of nurturing the "small birds" alongside the "lead eagles."

This necessitates targeted, deep-level support mechanisms tailored specifically for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and early-stage startups. By fostering a collaborative environment where resources, mentorship, and venture capital are readily accessible, Vietnam can cultivate a diversified tech economy capable of withstanding macroeconomic fluctuations.

Global Integration and the Human Capital Advantage

At the core of Vietnam’s technological ascent is its robust human capital. Historically, the nation’s workforce has demonstrated a strong aptitude for natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. As educational institutions increasingly align their curricula with industry demands, the pipeline of skilled software engineers, data scientists, and hardware specialists continues to expand.

Moreover, the shifting perception of domestic career opportunities has reversed historical brain drain trends. Highly skilled Vietnamese professionals who previously sought careers in mature Western markets are increasingly motivated to return home, drawn by the dynamism of the local startup ecosystem and the opportunity to contribute directly to national development.

Future Outlook and Policy Implications

As Vietnam advances toward its 2030 digital economy targets, the successful implementation of Resolution 57 and the continued momentum of the Make in Viet Nam strategy will be decisive factors. Policymakers face the ongoing task of refining legal frameworks, reducing administrative friction, and enhancing intellectual property protections to foster an environment conducive to continuous innovation.

With a clear strategic direction, heightened national consciousness regarding technological self-reliance, and an increasingly supportive regulatory climate, Vietnam is well-positioned to cement its status as a rising technology powerhouse in Southeast Asia and beyond. The convergence of visionary public policy and entrepreneurial drive creates an opportune environment for the nation’s digital economy to achieve unprecedented scale and global relevance in the decades to come.