Vietnam’s government is pushing a major transformation of its education sector through Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW, a new policy designed to strengthen higher education, digital transformation, and international competitiveness. The findings were highlighted in a study conducted by Luu Mai Hoa and Trinh Cong Trang from Nha Trang University. Published in 2026 in the International Journal of Integrated Science and Technology (IJIST), the study analyzes the impact of Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW on the development of higher education in Khánh Hòa Province, one of Vietnam’s most strategic coastal regions.
The research explains that Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW, issued by the Politburo on August 22, 2025, marks a new milestone in Vietnam’s national education policy. Under the resolution, education and training are positioned alongside science, technology, and innovation as three strategic breakthroughs for national development in the new era.
According to the study, the policy shift emerged as a response to the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, global digitalization, and the increasing demand for highly skilled human resources. Vietnam’s government views higher education institutions as essential drivers of the digital economy, green economy, and global labor market integration.
The study highlights Khánh Hòa Province as a strategically important region for Vietnam’s higher education development. The province serves as a center for marine economy, tourism, logistics, and national defense, supported by the presence of major civilian universities and military academies such as Nha Trang University, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Officers Training School, and the Telecommunications Officers Training School.
Researchers identified several major breakthrough points within Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW, including:
- large-scale digital transformation in education,
- stronger university autonomy,
- restructuring of inefficient higher education institutions,
- development of internationally ranked research universities,
- and stronger connections between universities, industries, and labor markets.
One of the most important reforms involves a new governance approach for higher education institutions. The resolution promotes a “facilitating state – autonomous institutions” model, granting universities greater authority over academic management, finance, and human resources while simultaneously requiring higher transparency and public accountability.
The study also highlights Vietnam’s ambition to build world-class universities through large-scale investment and stronger scientific research capacity. The government plans to develop three to five elite universities modeled after internationally ranked research institutions while accelerating the integration of digital technologies and artificial intelligence into education systems.
In Khánh Hòa Province, the policy is expected to create major opportunities for higher education development in sectors related to marine economy, tourism, logistics, and defense technology. Nha Trang University, for example, is viewed as having strong potential to become a leading research center for marine science and maritime economics in the Asia-Pacific region.
However, the study also identifies several significant challenges in implementing the policy. Some higher education institutions in Khánh Hòa continue to face shortages of highly qualified academic staff, unequal research infrastructure, weak industry collaboration, and limited internationalization of educational programs.
Researchers further noted that some academic programs remain poorly aligned with the demands of the modern labor market, particularly in areas related to digital economy, high technology, and green industries. Overlapping study programs and limited institutional specialization were also identified as persistent issues within the regional higher education system.
To address these challenges, the study proposes several strategic solutions:
- accelerating university digital transformation,
- improving faculty and academic staff quality,
- expanding international partnerships,
- strengthening university–industry collaboration,
- and developing academic programs based on regional economic needs.
The researchers also recommend expanding international study programs, student and faculty exchange initiatives, and English-medium education to strengthen the global competitiveness of universities in Khánh Hòa Province.
According to Luu Mai Hoa and Trinh Cong Trang, higher education must become a central driving force for Vietnam’s sustainable development in the future. The integration of education reform, technological innovation, and regional development strategies is considered crucial for helping Vietnam compete in the rapidly evolving global digital economy.
The findings are considered relevant not only for Vietnam but also for many developing countries currently reforming higher education systems to adapt to technological disruption and global workforce demands.
Author Profiles
- Luu Mai Hoa - Nha Trang University, Vietnam
- Trinh Cong Trang - Nha Trang University , Vietnam
Research Source
Hoa, L.M., & Trang, T.C. (2026). Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW of the Politburo on Breakthrough Development in Education and Training and its Impact on Higher Education in Khánh Hòa Province, Vietnam. International Journal of Integrated Science and Technology (IJIST), Vol. 4 No. 4, 252–263.
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