Without core technologies in hand, the risk of being “technologically colonized” is very high. AI technology is a key field that Vietnam has identified as a key area that it must gradually master.
Resolution 57 of the Politburo recently issued emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) as a strategic technology that Vietnam needs to master.
This has led many to ask: With the explosive growth of AI in recent times, is the National Strategy on Research, Development and Application of Artificial Intelligence that Vietnam issued in 2021 still relevant? Does Vietnam need a new approach to AI to avoid falling behind?
“Adaptive” strategy
When Vietnam announced its AI strategy in 2021, there were only about 45 countries in the world with similar strategies. However, with the rapidly changing technology landscape and the emergence of Generative AI models such as ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, etc., some countries have adjusted their AI strategies to adapt to the new situation.
Looking to the world, Singapore issued its first national artificial intelligence strategy in 2019. By December 2023, the country had updated and expanded the strategy with the announcement of a new national AI strategy, version 2.0, which aims to triple the number of AI workers in the next 3 to 5 years.
In early 2024, the Russian President also signed a decree updating the national strategy on the development of artificial intelligence until 2030, aiming to shape the country's future in the field of AI, after the first version of the strategy was launched in 2019.
Building data infrastructure
An important element in the AI development strategy is ensuring technological sovereignty. According to Professor Tran Thanh Long, the 21st century is no longer a war for land or economy but a competition for technology.
If Vietnam cannot master core technologies, the risk of being “technologically colonized” is very high. This does not mean that Vietnam must develop everything on its own, but it needs to clearly identify which technologies need to be mastered, and which technologies can be cooperated with and imported.
One of Vietnam’s major weaknesses today is data. AI cannot thrive without high-quality, systematic data that complies with security regulations. Therefore, an important part of the new AI strategy needs to focus on building a data infrastructure, ensuring the ability to share and protect data domestically.
According to experts, Vietnam can also change the way it builds its AI strategy. Instead of just a document issued by the State, it can encourage the research community, businesses and experts to participate in building the strategy in an "open" way so that the State can select and adjust accordingly.
A good AI strategy needs to be closely linked to the national science and technology strategy. According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hoai, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Artificial Intelligence, AI cannot be separated from the overall science and technology strategy. If AI is considered part of the innovation and digital transformation strategy, Vietnam will have the opportunity to better utilize resources, avoid waste and invest more effectively.
Vietnam is facing a crucial moment when it needs to demonstrate its ability to adapt to the rapid development of technology. In this context, experts believe that Vietnam's AI strategy should focus on adapting, selecting advantageous segments and solving practical socio-economic problems. An open, flexible AI strategy, combined with an overall science and technology strategy, will help Vietnam maximize the potential of AI while ensuring technological sovereignty.
Source: vietnamnet.vn