The Viet Nam National Innovation System: A Diagnostic Review

National Innovation Systems (NIS) plays a crucial role in countries’ efforts to catch up with technological advances which are critical for the long-term sustainable economic growth and development of countries. This paper provides a diagnostic review of the NIS in Viet Nam such that appropriate policies could be devised and im - plemented. This paper provides an analysis of the institutions, policies and linkages that characterize Viet Nam’s national innovation system. It focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of the nation’s system of innovation that Viet Nam has put in place in order to promote technological innovation for economic growth and development. The first part provides an overview of Viet Nam’s 20 years of economic reform as the context within which innovation takes place. The remainder offers a deeper insight into Viet Nam’s NIS, starting with the legal framework and institutions, including laws on science and technology, legislative government bodies and other supporting agencies. The current funding of R&D activities in general and in different sectors is given along with government’s attempts to encourage investment or financial support for R&D. The key actors in Viet Nam’s NIS are identified and investigated. The conclusion is a summary of rooms for improvement in Viet Nam’s NIS