The Forum was jointly organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, with the participation of senior leaders from both countries, along with nearly 500 representatives from government agencies, research institutes, universities, technology enterprises, experts, scientists and investors from Vietnam and Russia. The Forum took place in the context of 2026 being designated by the two countries as the Vietnam Russia Year of Educational, Science and Technology Exchanges.
Moving from Traditional Cooperation toward Strategic Technology Connectivity
Speaking at the Forum, leaders from both countries emphasized the potential for expanding cooperation in science, technology and innovation, particularly in technology fields of strategic importance to economic development and industrial capacity.
Vietnam highlighted the need to acquire, master and develop core and strategic technologies, while Russia possesses strong capabilities in fundamental science and a number of advanced technology fields, including nuclear technology, quantum technology, new materials and information security. Connecting Russia’s research, technological and human-resource capabilities with Vietnam’s development needs, innovation capacity and market potential was identified as an important direction for expanding bilateral cooperation in the new period.
Discussions at the Forum focused on a range of strategic technology fields, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technology, space technology, new energy and nuclear energy, while promoting closer links between research, technology development, human-resource training and practical applications.
One notable area of cooperation was the expansion of joint research funding programs into strategic technology fields. In 2026, the two countries selected four research projects from 34 proposals for funding, while planning further discussions on strategic technologies and quantum technology, as well as the establishment of strategic technology research centers. The two sides also identified the strengthening of doctoral training and the development of networks connecting young scientists from Vietnam and Russia as priorities.
Importantly, discussions at the Forum went beyond research cooperation toward transforming research results into technologies, products and applicable projects, thereby strengthening linkages among research institutes, universities, enterprises and investment organizations in the two countries.
Vietnamese and Russian experts also discussed potential models for joint research cooperation, the use of Russia’s research infrastructure, and the development of projects in areas such as energy, materials, nuclear technology and biotechnology.
IESS Strengthens Connections with Russian Research and Technology Partners
Within the framework of the Forum, Prof. Dr. Le Bo Linh, Director of IESS, held discussions and working sessions with the Institute for China and Contemporary Asia at Moscow School of Management, as well as with a number of Russian organizations and enterprises.
The meetings focused on opportunities to expand cooperation in strategic research, economic research and joint programs among research institutions, while exploring areas where Russia’s research capabilities could be connected with Vietnam’s research and policy-advisory needs.
Strengthening direct engagement with Russian research institutes, universities and technology enterprises provides IESS with additional opportunities to expand its international partnership network, particularly in areas associated with emerging developments in the global economy, strategic technologies and the evolving Eurasian economic cooperation landscape.
Attending the Launching Ceremony of the Russia Vietnam Knowledge Network
During his visit, Prof. Dr. Le Bo Linh also attended the Launching Ceremony of the Russia Vietnam Knowledge Network, an initiative aimed at strengthening connections and knowledge exchange among scientists, experts, research institutions and academic communities in the two countries.
The Network is intended to establish an additional channel for connecting knowledge, research and science and technology information, contributing to professional exchanges and facilitating broader sharing of research findings between Vietnam and the Russian Federation.
Expanding the Scope of Vietnam Russia Research Cooperation
Participation in the 2026 Vietnam Russia Science and Technology Forum and related activities in Moscow forms part of IESS’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international cooperation and expand its network of research partners in the Russian Federation.
As Vietnam Russia cooperation expands into science, technology and innovation, strengthening connections among research institutes, universities, enterprises and experts from the two countries is important for moving beyond traditional exchanges toward deeper research cooperation with practical and applicable outcomes.
For IESS, the activities in Moscow provide opportunities to expand its international cooperation network, exchange knowledge and research experience, and strengthen connections between Vietnamese and Russian partners in areas of strategic importance to economic development and science and technology.
IESS will continue to promote international research cooperation, strengthen knowledge connectivity and expand channels of cooperation with partners in the Russian Federation, thereby contributing to the advancement of Vietnam Russia cooperation in science, technology and strategic research./.
