Vietnam Plans VND 120 Trillion for Science and Technology in 2027 as Disbursement Pressure Mounts
Vietnam allocated VND 95 trillion to science, technology, innovation and digital transformation in 2026, but disbursed about 42.2% of the budget within the State Treasury’s reporting scope by the end of October. The 2027 budget is expected to rise to VND 120 trillion. The science and technology minister explained the delays and proposed measures during a National Assembly questioning session.
On November 12, Vietnam’s National Assembly held a questioning session on science and technology. The state budget allocated VND 95 trillion to science, technology, innovation and digital transformation in 2026. By the end of October, about 42.2% of the budget had been disbursed within the State Treasury’s reporting scope. The budget for these areas is expected to rise to VND 120 trillion in 2027, drawing attention to the pace of disbursement.
Vietnam’s Minister of Science and Technology, Vũ Hải Quân, answers lawmakers’ questions during the National Assembly session.（VietVance）
National Assembly deputy Hoàng Minh Hiếu said that more than VND 18 trillion of the 2026 budget had yet to be allocated in detail, while the return or cancellation of more than VND 8 trillion in budget allocations had been proposed. He asked the minister to explain the slow disbursement, who was responsible and the basis for increasing the 2027 budget. Figures cited by another deputy showed disbursement rates of 46.18% at the central level and 38.5% at the local level, while the rates for innovation and digital transformation were each below 30%.
Minister of Science and Technology Vũ Hải Quân gave four reasons for the slow disbursement: a sharp increase in the size of the budget; regulations related to Resolution No. 57, issued in December 2024, that did not begin taking effect until late 2025 or 2026; greater difficulty in organizing science and technology projects now that they must be defined around practical problems; and limited implementation capacity at some agencies, along with hesitation about undertaking new tasks.
Vũ Hải Quân said ministries and local authorities are responsible for preparing budgets and defining tasks and expected outcomes, the Ministry of Science and Technology compiles and reviews the plans, and the Ministry of Finance allocates funds. Delays can occur at several stages. The science and technology ministry will work directly with local authorities to improve budget preparation and develop an online system to support budget preparation and review, shortening the time needed to allocate funds. He said startups and innovative businesses need funding, but faster disbursement must be accompanied by effective use of the money.
Source: VietVance
