Vietnam urged to strengthen semiconductor R&D capacity

As Vietnam develops its semiconductor industry, it needs to gradually shift investment from equipment purchases toward building R&D capacity. In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency ahead of a seminar, IGNITE director Nguyễn Ái Việt said research facilities must also connect with industry, markets, funding and international partners to form a system that supports technological innovation.

IGNITE director Nguyễn Ái Việt discusses building Vietnam’s semiconductor R&D capacity.（VietVance）

Nguyễn Ái Việt said Vietnam already has researchers and research results in semiconductor materials and devices, but sustained investment in talent and R&D is still needed to turn that research base into industrial capacity. Some parts of the semiconductor industry require enormous investment, making it difficult for Vietnam to compete directly in the short term, he said. Advanced packaging, testing and specialized chip design are areas where it can make gradual progress.

Discussing the path for industrial development, he said early participation in production and assembly can help build practical experience and skills, while long-term R&D investment should develop domestic technological capacity. Research projects should respond to real needs in markets and in the economic, security and defense sectors, and bring research institutions, businesses and partners together to develop technology.

A seminar on semiconductor R&D capacity, jointly organized by the Central Policy and Strategy Commission and IGNITE, is scheduled for November 17, 2026. Nguyễn Ái Việt said the next five years should focus on technological cooperation, attracting investment and talent, and building centers with R&D and industrial support capabilities. Near-term measures of progress could include markets for products, the quality of talent, R&D capacity and the ability to attract foreign investment.

Source: VietVance