The initiative, detailed in Plan No. 77/KH-UBND and signed by Vice Chairman Lâm Hải Giang, aims to strengthen competitiveness, attract investment, and promote sustainable socio-economic development in the Central Highlands province.
The roadmap identifies five strategic sectors as priorities for innovation: Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science; Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals; Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Technologies; Renewable Energy; and Tourism and Smart City Technologies. These sectors are seen as critical drivers of Gia Lai’s long-term economic transformation and digital growth.
By 2030, the province seeks to ensure that at least 30% of enterprises engage in process or business model innovation, while 25% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) collaborate with institutes or universities on research and development.
At least 60% of local SMEs are expected to adopt digital technologies, and the province aims to attract three major global technology corporations to establish headquarters or invest in research and production in Gia Lai.
By 2035, Gia Lai targets a more advanced stage of innovation, with at least 50% of enterprises participating in innovation activities, and 40% of SMEs working with research institutions on development projects.
The province also plans for 85% of SMEs to use digital technologies and to master several strategic and digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), big data, cloud computing, blockchain, semiconductors, quantum technology, nanotechnology, and biotechnology. Modern technologies will also be applied in environmental management and smart urban development to support sustainability goals.
The plan will be implemented in three phases. The first phase, running until December 2026, focuses on developing and issuing the roadmap and related mechanisms and policies.
The second phase, from 2027 to 2030, will center on implementing and assessing pilot projects that apply new and advanced technologies. The final phase, from 2031 to 2035, aims to expand and optimize successful models and complete the province’s innovation ecosystem.
The Department of Science and Technology has been assigned to lead the roadmap’s implementation, advise on policy formation, and coordinate the establishment of an inter-agency task force.
The department will also conduct surveys to assess the current technological capacity of enterprises, research emerging technology trends, and regularly update the innovation roadmap.
It will organize seminars, workshops, and science and technology forums to gather expert and business input, compile reports for the Provincial People’s Committee, and strengthen collaboration with central agencies, the ICISE Center, research institutes, universities, and domestic and international enterprises.
Through this roadmap, Gia Lai aims to create an attractive investment environment, foster digital transformation, and establish itself as a regional center for innovation and sustainable development by 2035.