Viet Nam, Australia promote research cooperation towards technology commercialisation

<p style="text-align: justify;">At a working session with Australia's Chief Scientist, Professor Tony Haymet, on June 16, 2026, Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan said Viet Nam was focusing on the development of strategic technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and biotechnology, while continuing to improve its legal framework to create a favourable environment for research, innovation and technology application.</p>

Appreciating the potential for cooperation between the two countries, Minister Vu Hai Quan affirmed that Viet Nam wished to expand science and technology cooperation with Australia, with a focus on linking research with commercialisation and practical development needs.

The Minister proposed that the two sides strengthen cooperation in three main directions:

- Implementing cooperation projects of appropriate scale that can quickly generate products and bring research outcomes to the market, thereby gradually expanding them into larger-scale cooperation programmes.

- Enhancing connectivity among management agencies, research institutes, universities and enterprises of the two countries.

- Promoting cooperation in priority technology areas and sectors where the two countries have complementary strengths.

Professor Tony Haymet said Australia was undertaking major reforms in science policy planning through the Ambitious Australia report. The reform shifts the focus from investment based mainly on individual proposals to a national priority portfolio, with decisions guided by national interests and long-term development goals.

Australia is also developing research clusters that connect scientific infrastructure, universities, enterprises and testing facilities, aiming to build innovation ecosystems and accelerate the commercialisation of research outcomes.

According to Professor Haymet, this is the first time Australia has developed a strategic system for identifying science investment priorities. The Australian delegation wished to learn from Viet Nam's experience in developing science, technology and innovation strategies, identifying priority areas and implementing research programmes.

The two sides held in-depth discussions on methods for identifying research investment priorities, developing scientific infrastructure, linking development strategies with research programmes and projects, and mobilising resources for science, technology and innovation development.

At the end of the working session, the two sides agreed to continue strengthening policy exchanges on science, technology and innovation development; Promote connectivity among management agencies, research institutes, universities and enterprises of the two countries; Expand joint research programmes, share research infrastructure and enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest./.