Resolution 57: A breakthrough impetus contributing to double-digit economic growth.

Pressure from "bottlenecks"

During the discussion on socio-economic performance at the First Session of the 16th National Assembly, many National Assembly deputies offered insightful and frank analyses of the current economic landscape and the roadmap for the next five years. The spirit of "facing the truth, innovating thinking, and perfecting institutions," as guided by General Secretary and President To Lam, became the compass for groundbreaking proposals.

According to Dr. Tran Van Khai, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, research into the government's report shows that Vietnam's economy still has significant room for development. However, looking back at the results of the past period, the revealing figures raise many concerns.

With GDP growth of 8.02%, an economy size of $514 billion, and GDP per capita at $5,026, Vietnam has made significant progress. However, the contribution of the digital economy is only at 14.02% of GDP – much lower than the target of 20%.

In particular, labor productivity remains a major bottleneck. Meanwhile, the targets for the 2026-2030 period are extremely challenging: average growth of over 10% per year, GDP per capita reaching US$8,500, and the digital economy accounting for 30% of GDP. This requires a drastic shift towards a knowledge- and technology-based growth model.

Nevertheless, the global situation is no longer a "smooth road." Geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, with the US and Iran yet to reach a ceasefire agreement, and particularly the continued disruption of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, are disrupting supply chains. Increased protectionism, with stringent technical barriers imposed by developed countries to safeguard their national interests, and fluctuating energy prices are putting pressure on inflation, creating unprecedented challenges for the resilience of the Vietnamese economy.

Dr. Tran Van Khai believes that Resolution 57-NQ/TW dated December 24, 2025, of the Politburo was issued as a solution to the problem of growth drivers. However, for this Resolution to truly be implemented and create breakthroughs, four major challenges need to be addressed:

Firstly, the capacity to absorb innovation is weak and superficial. The current situation is one of "heat at the top, heat at the bottom," but this heat is more of a superficial movement in many places. The ability to absorb technology at the grassroots level, especially at the commune, ward, and remote areas, and areas inhabited by ethnic minorities, is very limited. If the capacity for genuine absorption is not addressed, all policies from the central government will remain merely on paper.

Secondly, data has not yet been considered a means of production. This is a shortcoming in modern management thinking. Although Resolution 57 calls for connecting databases and establishing a data exchange platform, mandatory standards for data standards, mechanisms for pricing public data, and artificial intelligence (AI) security are still lacking. Without the "fuel" of data, the digital economy cannot operate smoothly.

Thirdly, there are geopolitical risks in technology. Vietnam is overly dependent on external sources for core technologies and computing hardware. In the context of fragmented global trade, this dependence poses a significant risk of disruption and increased costs, weakening national resilience. This issue has yet to be translated into specific policy requirements.

Fourth, there is a lack of quantitative enforcement discipline. We've talked a lot, but we still lack specific KPIs, timelines, and penalties. Who will be held accountable for delays in data interoperability? Who will be held responsible for the scattered nature of science and technology spending? Without discipline, the goal of allocating 2% of GDP to R&D and 3% of the budget to science and technology will remain a distant dream.

Key solutions for the period 2026-2030

Dr. Tran Van Khai argued that, to overcome these challenges, a comprehensive system of solutions is needed, not just Resolution 57, but also closely linked with resolutions on lawmaking (Resolution 66), private sector development (Resolution 68), energy security (Resolution 70), and international integration (Resolution 59).

Dr. Tran Van Khai also pointed out that it is necessary to establish enforcement discipline through a national KPI system, building a results-based management KPI system based on the criteria of Resolution 57. Indicators on the digitalization of public services and the rate of innovative businesses must be clearly assigned to each agency with specific timelines. More importantly, KPIs must be linked to budget allocation and personnel evaluation. The government needs to present measurable thematic reports to the National Assembly annually to ensure transparency and accountability.

Next, we need to enhance absorption capacity based on the "three right" principles: The right target, focusing resources on businesses with real potential for technological upgrades. The right tools, applying a mechanism for lump-sum funding for digital transformation, tax incentives for R&D, and establishing co-investment venture funds. The right timing, with the first two years of the term (2026-2027) being the "golden period." "If we don't prepare the institutions and infrastructure during this period, we will miss the opportunity for the entire subsequent period," Dr. Tran Van Khai stated.

Furthermore, data and computing power should be considered essential production infrastructure. Mandatory data standards and mechanisms for sharing public data should be immediately implemented. Simultaneously, investment in "green data" and national computing should be prioritized. In this regard, representatives from the Committee on Science, Technology and Environment also emphasized the implementation of clean energy projects, including the vigorous restart of the nuclear power project in Ninh Thuan, to ensure a stable energy supply for technology giants and the comprehensive digitalization process.

Proactively addressing geopolitical risks in technology, Vietnam needs to develop a list of priority strategic technologies such as semiconductors, AI, 5G, and 6G. To promote these, controlled testing mechanisms (sandboxes) and liability exemption mechanisms are needed for scientists and businesses that dare to innovate, in line with Resolution 57. Simultaneously, diversifying international partners is crucial to avoid dependence on a single technology source.

Successfully implementing Resolution 57 is not merely a purely economic plan, but a mandate of the times. Science, technology, and innovation are the only path for Vietnam to build a self-reliant and strong economy in a volatile world.

Dr. Tran Van Khai affirmed that, with strong political determination from the Government and the Prime Minister, and the consensus of the entire political system, we have every reason to believe that, with institutional breakthroughs and resources unlocked, Vietnam will enter a new era of development – ​​an era of knowledge, technology, and sustainable prosperity. The goal of double-digit growth is a challenge, but also an opportunity for the Vietnamese nation to once again assert its capabilities and vision on the global economic map.