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| Camera production at Sunny Opotech Vietnam Co., Ltd., Yen Binh Industrial Park, Thai Nguyen province__Photo: VNA |
Law on Science, Technology and Innovation
The Law on Science, Technology and Innovation was adopted by the National Assembly on June 27, 2025, and came into force on October 1, 2025. The 73-article Law establishes major policies to promote scientific research, technological development and innovation, with a focus on infrastructure development, incentives for risk-taking, flexible lump-sum funding mechanisms, and liability exemptions in cases where risks are assumed.
This is the first time “innovation” has been formally incorporated into law on an equal footing with science and technology, reflecting a fundamental shift in development thinking. The Law introduces a range of new mechanisms to support innovation activities, particularly within enterprises, while also fostering the development of intermediary organizations.
The Law also represents a change in the state management approach, moving from input-based control to outcome-based performance assessment. It encourages research that is closely linked to practical application, accepts risk-taking alongside risk governance mechanisms, and allows organizations and individuals undertaking research tasks to hold ownership over research outcomes for commercialization. These entities are entitled to retain at least 30 percent of income generated from applied products and to enjoy personal income tax exemptions or reductions on such earnings. The Ministry of Science and Technology will be responsible for measuring overall effectiveness, using results as the basis for resource allocation and decisions on subsequent task assignments.
Law on the Digital Technology Industry
The Law on the Digital Technology Industry, adopted on June 14, 2025, sets out a comprehensive framework covering incentive mechanisms for digital technology enterprises, development of shared-use digital infrastructure, promotion of innovative startups, talent training, and the application of regulatory sandboxes for new technologies.
Notably, the Law requires localities to introduce policies supporting the development of human resources for the digital technology industry, particularly those working on research and production projects involving key digital products, semiconductor chips, and artificial intelligence (AI). These measures include partial support for the costs of hiring high-quality personnel, as well as funding for training, reskilling, and upskilling within enterprises. It also encourages foreign-invested enterprises to engage in technology transfer and cooperation with domestic firms, promote “Make in Viet Nam” products, and enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese enterprises.
The State also encourages organizations and individuals to provide training, assessment, and certification of digital technology skills in line with international, regional, and widely recognized foreign standards.
The Law on the Digital Technology Industry took effect on January 1, 2026.
Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations
The Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations, adopted on June 14, 2025, and taking effect on January 1, 2026, stipulates that organizations and individuals engaged in production and business activities subject to mandatory technical regulations are required to declare conformity for products, goods, services, processes, environments, and other objects involved in socio-economic activities.
To streamline procedures, the Law allows exemptions from conformity declaration for products and goods that fully meet quality management requirements under other relevant laws corresponding to the technical requirements set out in national technical regulations.
With a view to reducing administrative burdens and compliance costs for enterprises, the Law also expands the use of conformity assessment results as a basis for conformity declaration, and provides exemptions for products and goods that already satisfy quality management requirements under specialized legislation.
Law Amending and Supplementing the Law on Product and Goods Quality
On June 18, 2025, the National Assembly adopted the Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Product and Goods Quality, which came into force on January 1, 2026. A key highlight of the Law is the shift from classifying products and goods by groups to a risk-based classification system, categorizing them into low-, medium-, and high-risk levels for regulatory purposes. Based on this approach, the Government and line ministries are tasked with assessing and classifying risk levels and applying corresponding quality management measures, ensuring flexibility and feasibility.
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| Market surveillance officers conduct an inspection of goods at a store in Ninh Binh province__Photo: VNA |
The amendments mark a fundamental shift in regulatory approach, from pre-licensing inspection to post-licensing inspection, from manual oversight to data- and technology-based management, and from encouragement to clear accountability requirements.
The new provisions are considered consistent with practical needs and international practices, thus addressing existing bottlenecks and reduce administrative procedures in quality inspection of imported goods. The Law also promotes the application of digital technologies in product quality management against the backdrop of digital transformation. In addition, it allows the recognition of designated assessment results issued by ministries and sectors, thereby reducing compliance costs for conformity assessment bodies.
Law on Atomic Energy (amended)
The Law on Atomic Energy (amended) was adopted on June 27, 2025, and took effect on January 1, 2026. The 73-article Law stipulates that the State will step up the development and application of atomic energy for peaceful purposes, serving socio-economic development, environmental protection, and the improvement of living standards, while contributing to energy security. It also prioritizes investment in, and diversifies funding sources for, the development and application of atomic energy.
Under the Law, the State guarantees state budget funding for scientific research and technological development in the field of atomic energy; the establishment and operation of a national environmental radiation monitoring and early-warning network; preferential mechanisms for training, capacity building, attraction and employment of, and preferential treatment for, human resources; and investment in technical infrastructure, equipment, and laboratories for research and training institutions in the atomic energy sector.
Furthermore, atomic energy development is required to prioritize the transfer and application of advanced, high, and environmentally friendly technologies. Notably, the Law sets out requirements to strengthen manufacturing capacity and localization of equipment in the atomic energy field, gradually increasing localization rates in construction and equipment manufacturing, with a view to mastering nuclear power technologies.
Law on Artificial Intelligence
On December 10, 2025, the National Assembly adopted the Law on Artificial Intelligence, marking Vietnam as one of the first countries worldwide to enact a dedicated AI law. The Law establishes a risk-based regulatory approach, encouraging innovation while ensuring safety, security, human rights, and the lawful interests of organizations and individuals.
The Law sets out a list of absolutely prohibited acts, including the use of AI to manipulate human behavior or perception; the creation of deepfake or deceptive content for fraudulent purposes or for infringing upon the dignity, honor, and lawful rights and interests of others; and the abuse of children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups. AI-related activities that threaten national defense, security, public order, and social safety are also strictly banned.
Under the risk-based management framework, the Law classifies AI systems into three risk levels - low, medium, and high - accompanied by clear provisions on prohibited conduct to ensure transparent and tiered regulation. Enterprises are required to conduct self-assessments of safety prior to deployment without having to seek prior approval, but must present such assessments during post-deployment inspections by competent authorities.
The Law will take effect on March 1, 2026.
Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Intellectual Property
Passed on December 10, 2025, the Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Intellectual Property places strong emphasis on transforming intellectual property (IP) rights into assets that can be valued, traded, mortgaged, and commercially exploited.
Under the Law, IP right holders are entitled to use their rights in civil, commercial, investment, and other transactions in accordance with the law. The State encourages the use of IP rights for capital contribution and collateralization for loans, in line with legislation on investment, enterprises, credit, and related regulations.
The Law also promotes a comprehensive digital transformation of IP administration, prioritizing the development of digital infrastructure and the establishment of databases on IP protection and IP transaction prices, ensuring safety, transparency, and user-friendliness. Professional processes will be automated through big data and AI to enhance management efficiency.
Transactions involving IP rights will be conducted through innovation centers, while the Government is tasked with establishing a transparent valuation system. Notably, the Law requires the development of a database on IP transaction prices to serve as a reference for the market.
The amended Law on Intellectual Property will take effect on April 1, 2026.
Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Technology Transfer
Adopted on December 10, 2025, and set to take effect on April 1, 2026, the Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Technology Transfer aims to improve the legal framework and promote technology transfer activities in a more effective, coherent, and internationally aligned manner.
The Law streamlines administrative procedures, updates the list of new and strategic technologies, and expands incentives for technology transfer. It introduces three levels of technology transfer - application, mastery, and research and development (R&D) - with progressively enhanced support and incentives at each level, encouraging enterprises to move toward technological mastery and innovation.
The State encourages capital contributions in the form of technologies generated from science, technology, and innovation activities by organizations, individuals, and enterprises in Vietnam, supported by mechanisms for technology valuation and the establishment of lawful ownership or usage rights.
The Law also strengthens control over cross-border technology transfer to safeguard technological security, while promoting the export of Vietnamese technologies. At the same time, the State will develop a transparent and professional science and technology market, with technology exchanges and technology disclosure centers serving as core platforms to connect supply and demand.
Law on High Technology (amended)
The amended Law on High Technology, with 27 articles arranged in six chapters, governs high-tech activities and sets out policies and measures to encourage and promote high technologies, as well as activities related to the development of strategic technologies. The Law was adopted on December 10 and will take effect on July 1, 2026.
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| Students practice programming and operating robots at the Training Center of Sai Gon High-Tech Park__Photo: VNA |
Under the Law, the State identifies the development of high technology and strategic technologies as a strategic breakthrough to achieve rapid and sustainable socio-economic growth, ensure national defense and security, and enhance national technological self-reliance. The Law allows the application of the highest incentive levels available under the investment, tax, and land laws, and related policies to high-tech and strategic technology activities.
A notable new feature of the Law is the introduction of policies to strengthen linkages among research institutes, higher education institutions, and enterprises, laying a solid foundation for science, technology, and innovation. It also provides for special mechanisms and policies to support the development, localization, mastery, and application of technologies, as well as the formation and growth of high-tech enterprises, strategic technology enterprises, and high-tech startups.
In addition, the Law sets out preferential policies and special mechanisms to attract and develop high-quality human resources in high and strategic technologies, while ensuring the most favorable living and working conditions for such talent to work in Vietnam.
Law on Digital Transformation
The National Assembly adopted the Law on Digital Transformation on December 11, 2025, the last of the 10 laws drafted under the leadership of the Ministry of Science and Technology. The Law will take effect on July 1, 2026.
The Law establishes digital-based governance as the default, while paper-based processes are treated as exceptions. The State is responsible for ensuring that all citizens, regardless of age, gender, education level, geographic location, or economic conditions, have access to and can use online public services.
Online public service systems are required to comply with international standards, feature user-friendly and multilingual interfaces, support sign language and accessibility tools for persons with disabilities, and be compatible with multiple devices. The platforms must also include tools to support citizens in remote, disadvantaged, and hard-to-reach areas.
The Law identifies digital transformation as a “top strategic breakthrough”, prioritizing the development of digital infrastructure, data, human resources, and international cooperation. Core principles are codified, including people-centered design, digitalization from the outset, and data-driven management, with the overarching goal of leaving no one behind.
The Law also connects and harmonizes sector-specific digital transformation laws into a coherent, interoperable, comprehensive, secure, and modern framework for building a digital nation, without interfering with the internal provisions of specialized legislation. In addition, it seeks to remove common bottlenecks in digital transformation faced by central and local authorities, particularly those related to administrative procedures.- (VLLF)
