The technological factor remains weak.
During a roundtable discussion at the conference “Factors of Double-Digit Economic Growth and Agricultural Perspectives 2026”, held on March 31 in Hanoi, Dr. Can Van Luc, the chief economist of BIDV and a member of the National Advisory Council on Financial and Monetary Policy, raised a pressing issue: Vietnam has considerable potential in terms of applying science and technology, digital transformation, and innovation. However, there remains a significant gap between words and actions, between promises and reality. How can this gap be bridged to truly drive the economy forward? This is a critical question that demands an answer.
Sharing his perspective on this issue, Professor Dang Ngoc Duc, director of the Institute of Financial Technology (Dai Nam University), stated that Industry 4.0 represents a crucial opportunity and engine for improving the Total Factor Productivity (PTF), an indicator of an economy’s “intelligence”. He cited the example of China, emphasizing that without science and technology, the country could not have rapidly become a formidable competitor for the United States and the European Union.
However, in Vietnam, the contribution of technological factors to growth has not met expectations due to various bottlenecks related to human resources and investment mentality.
One of the main obstacles, as highlighted by Professor Dang Ngoc Duc, lies in the mismatch of professionals’ skills. In the Fintech sector, technical experts often lack financial skills and experience, and vice versa. This shortage complicates the development of both safe and high-performing technological products.
Experts participated in the discussion session.
Furthermore, although the Party and the State have allocated a priority budget of 25,000 billion VND to the development of science, technology, and innovation, a paradox has emerged: 80% of this amount is devoted to infrastructure and equipment, while investment in human resources—the agents of innovation—represents only a small proportion.
From an educational perspective, universities are striving to innovate their programs by adopting an Outcome-Based Education (OBE) approach, focusing on what students can “do” rather than just what they can “know”. However, recruiting for applied technology programs faces challenges.
“People are still not ready to step out of their comfort zone. They still prioritize traditional fields like business management and logistics instead of learning to apply technology to finance and banking—a sector that could generate exceptional growth,” explained Mr. Duc.
Experts recommend prioritizing thorough and coordinated training. Instead of short 3- to 4-month courses focused on advertising AI and data, the focus should be on specialized technological solutions, such as applying AI to risk management, helping farmers secure loans without guarantees, and promoting financial inclusion.
Changing perspective on technological applications
When discussing the outlook for agriculture in 2026, experts believe that a shift in perspective regarding the application of technologies in this sector is necessary. Dr. Tran Cong Thang, director of the Institute of Agricultural Policy and Environmental Strategy, emphasized that there is currently a focus on “superficial” technologies like drones or agricultural machines. However, agriculture fundamentally relies on basic sciences.
Dr. Tran Cong Thang – Director of the Institute of Agricultural Policy and Environmental Strategy.
To ensure sustainable development, Vietnam must heavily invest in genetic research, breeding, vaccine production technologies, and climate change forecasting systems. Besides, traditional areas like pedology, water resource management, and fertilization require continuous modernization.
“The primary goal is self-sufficiency. Vietnamese agriculture must be self-sufficient in essential technological platforms at the national level and break free from any dependence on external sources,” highlighted Dr. Tran Cong Thang. Science should refocus on the most concrete needs, namely aiding farmers in accessing the best seeds and appropriate phytosanitary treatments.
Technology should also help eliminate the imbalance between supply and demand and frequent emergency interventions in agricultural products. Through supply chain forecasting and management systems, commercial risks will be minimized, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for populations.
Professor Dang Ngoc Duc added that technology is essential for addressing trust issues in the international market. Currently, Vietnamese agricultural exports take between five and eight years due to the lack of a transparent traceability system. Modernizing technological infrastructures will significantly reduce this time.
However, a psychological barrier persists, as farmers have not fully embraced online credit and digital financing solutions. Therefore, it is necessary for the Farmers’ Association and relevant organizations to engage in spreading digital knowledge and creating an environment conducive to implementing technological solutions in rural areas.
4 strategic pillars and a new growth formula.
Dr. Can Van Luc stated that to achieve the goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045, the economy has no other choice but to strive resolutely to achieve breakthroughs in labor productivity and investment efficiency.
To materialize this aspiration, a transformation of mindsets must revolve around four strategic pillars. Firstly, it is essential to modernize knowledge and technologies by continually providing rural workers with new platforms to move away from traditional agricultural concepts.
Secondly, strengthening the connection between the four stakeholders by creating a true link between schools, government, farmers, and businesses. In this context, cooperatives should operate as a new type of enterprise.
Thirdly, optimizing resources by harnessing the full potential of land, finances, and practical human skills. Fourthly, prioritizing fundamental research, seen as the solid foundation for sustainable growth.
According to Dr. Can Van Luc, while our ancestors’ production experience was based on the principle of “first water, then fertilizer, third diligence, fourth seeds,” in the digital age, to forge the future and achieve rapid growth, the economy, especially the agricultural sector, must integrate the vital element of technology.
Through concerted efforts, from policies to concrete actions, science and technology will no longer be a mere theoretical concept but a real driving force propelling the Vietnamese economy towards double-digit growth in the near future.
Minh Thu
Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/cong-nghe-la-yeu-to-song-con-de-but-pha-tang-truong/20260331033507849
