Policy to Promote Technology Transfer in Vietnam

Technology transfer (TT) is a critical element in enhancing national innovation capacity, particularly in the context of globalization and increasing competition. In recent years, Vietnam has introduced various policies and legal frameworks to foster TT activities, with the 2017, Law on Technology Transfer and its guiding decrees and circulars serving as key milestones. Despite these efforts, the practical implementation of TT policies remains constrained by institutional limitations, inadequate implementation resources, weak coordination mechanisms among stakeholders, and limited spillover effects on the business sector. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Vietnam’s TT policy, including its theoretical foundation, current status, and key influencing factors. It also offers evidence-based policy recommendations aligned with the country’s innovation and development goals. Findings show that while the policy framework for TT in Vietnam has seen gradual improvements, it still lacks coherence and strong incentive mechanisms, especially in facilitating the commercialization of research outcomes. To address these issues, the article recommends enhancing the integration of TT within the national innovation ecosystem, promoting the development of technology intermediary organizations, increasing financial incentives, and strengthening the absorptive capacity of enterprises. These measures aim to improve the effectiveness of technology transfer, thereby supporting knowledge diffusion and contributing to sustainable and innovation-driven economic growth.