The National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) is proactively reshaping its strategy for funding international cooperation toward a more focused, mission-oriented approach aligned with major national challenges. This direction was highlighted at the workshop titled “Priorities for Funding International Cooperation Programs in the New Circumstances”, held on April 3 in Hanoi, with the participation of numerous policymakers, scientists, and experts. Delegates from the Department of Science, Technology and International Affairs from Thai Nguyen University participated in the workshop.
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Photo. Representatives of the Department of Science, Technology and International Affairs, Thai Nguyen University, at the workshop.
At the workshop, NAFOSTED representatives noted that in the coming period, the Foundation will shift from funding for individual research projects to long-term program-based funding; strengthen co-funding mechanisms to mobilize international resources; and prioritize foundational and core technologies capable of generating breakthroughs. International cooperation is identified as a strategic pillar for improving research quality, fostering knowledge exchange, and narrowing technological gaps.
In addition, NAFOSTED will continue to refine policy frameworks to support researchers, promote international publications, expand academic networks, and reform funding mechanisms in line with international standards, aiming for greater transparency and efficiency. Experts also recommended enhancing collaboration among research institutes, universities, and enterprises, with a focus on priority areas such as artificial intelligence, big data, biotechnology, advanced materials, and clean energy.
The participants at the workshop came to conclusion that selecting the right partners, targeting appropriate priority areas, and innovating funding models will be key factors in strengthening Vietnam’s capacity in science, technology, and innovation amid enhancing global competition.
By updating its understanding of NAFOSTED’s new funding orientations, Thai Nguyen University is better positioned to adjust its research strategy toward alignment with large-scale programs, improve access to international resources, and enhance the quality of research proposals. The workshop also provided an opportunity to strengthen connections with domestic and international partners, promote the development of strong interdisciplinary research groups, and foster closer collaboration with industry. These orientations are expected to contribute to enhancing innovation capacity and further affirming Thai Nguyen University’s role within the national science and technology ecosystem, effectively supporting regional and national socio-economic development goals./.
