The Ministry of Science and Technology announced the 2026 Local Innovation Index (PII) results on October 4 as part of National Innovation Day 2026.
Hanoi retained the top spot with 63.80 points. Ho Chi Minh City ranked second, followed by Haiphong, Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, Hue, Danang, Thai Nguyen, Tay Ninh and Hung Yen. Cao Bang ranked 34th with 21.22 points.
A technology exhibition at National Innovation Day (Photo: Minh Nhat).
Hanoi leads in 18 component indicators
Hanoi ranked first in 18 of the 52 component indicators, the highest number among all localities. Its strongest areas included human resources for research and development, R&D spending, the number of science and technology organisations, and the proportion of businesses engaged in R&D and innovation activities.
The capital also led in several intellectual property outputs, including inventions, utility models, plant varieties, trademarks and industrial designs, as well as indicators related to poverty reduction and human development.
By pillar, Hanoi ranked first in human capital and research and development, market development and knowledge, innovation and technology products. It ranked second in enterprise development, behind Bac Ninh.
Ho Chi Minh City led in 12 component indicators, with strengths including general infrastructure, private-sector credit, microfinance, business density and newly established businesses. It also shared the top position with Hanoi in some indicators covering corporate R&D, innovation activities and intellectual property outputs.
Quang Ninh ranked third by the number of leading component indicators, topping five, including digital infrastructure, private-sector credit, investment projects in industrial clusters, OCOP products and poverty reduction.
The breakdown by pillar showed Danang leading in institutions, Quang Ninh in infrastructure, Bac Ninh in enterprise development and Phu Tho in impact.
The 2026 PII comprises 52 component indicators across seven pillars. Five input pillars measure conditions supporting innovation, while two output pillars assess knowledge, innovation and technology products and the broader impact of innovation.
Data for the index came from two main sources. Forty indicators were based on official statistics and state-management data published by ministries, agencies and central organisations. The remaining 12 indicators were collected and submitted by local authorities with supporting documentation.
The Ministry of Science and Technology said the PII is intended to provide local authorities with an evidence base for identifying strengths and weaknesses and developing measures to improve the effectiveness of innovation activities.