Vietnam is stepping up its chip programme to turn research into real products, a move that could reshape the country’s high‑tech future. Understanding the challenges and solutions shows how a nation bridges the gap from lab to market.

Nguyen Anh Tuan, Director of the national centre for pilot semiconductor chip manufacturing support under the Ministry of Science and Technology, said high research and development costs and an incomplete domestic production chain are major obstacles. These factors make it difficult for small firms to move from prototype to commercial chip.

Tuan also warned that a mismatch between technological development and market demand complicates commercialisation. Companies hesitate to invest without early customers, while potential buyers wait for proven products, creating a deadlock.

The Ministry of Science and Technology is finalising a proposal to submit to the Prime Minister that would prioritise 20 specialised‑chip groups for state procurement. The draft list, based on demand from ministries, agencies, businesses and research institutes, aims to guide research and signal market needs.

The national centre for pilot semiconductor chip manufacturing support will provide shared design tools, laboratories, prototyping and testing services, linking designers with manufacturers to lower costs and speed up market entry. Vietnam is also deepening international cooperation, with R&D centres in Vietnam and Qualcomm expanding work in AI, semiconductors, software and systems engineering. In 2026, five Vietnam‑Japan joint semiconductor research projects received funding, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuy said high‑level diplomatic engagement created opportunities for Vietnamese scientists to collaborate with Japanese partners.

Together, these measures aim to shrink the distance between chip research and commercial production in Vietnam. If successful, the country could move from a research‑focused sector to a competitive player in the global semiconductor market.