From National Resolution to Industrial Execution

Vietnam has set clear targets under Resolution 57 and the national Industry 4.0 strategy. Digital transformation is defined as a strategic breakthrough.

The constraint is operational.

A large number of factories continue to operate with obsolete technologies. More than 85% of manufacturing facilities still rely primarily on manual labour. At the same time, 53% of domestic enterprises report difficulty recruiting highly skilled workers.

The question is practical.

Where should transformation begin?

Policy direction is clear. Execution must follow.

In December 2024, the Politburo issued Resolution 57, positioning science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as national priorities.

Decision No. 2114/QĐ-TTg on the National Strategy for Industry 4.0 sets measurable targets:

• Digital economy contributing 30% of GDP
• Over 40% of businesses engaged in innovation
• High-tech exports accounting for at least 50% of total export value²

At the same time, global trade pressures are intensifying.

The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism CBAM and high tariffs from the United States³ require manufacturers to modernize production models and improve environmental performance.

Automation is no longer optional.

Without structural upgrades, competitiveness erodes.

Transformation requires ecosystem change, not isolated upgrades

Industrial transformation cannot be achieved by replacing machinery alone.

It requires:

• Process redesign
• System integration
• Workforce capability
• Access to applied technology

Without practical platforms to test and deploy automation, strategy remains theoretical.

Vietnam Automation Center of Excellence ACE

The launch of ACE on September 8, 2025, in Binh Duong marks a structural step toward execution.

ACE is a public–private initiative designed to help manufacturers access, test, and deploy automation and AI in real production environments.

During its pilot phase, ACE has not yet supported individual enterprises directly. Its role is foundational.

It reduces the barrier to experimentation and validation. What would be complex and costly for a single factory becomes accessible within a shared platform.

A production-grade testbed

ACE operates as an open ecosystem.

Its testbed production lines replicate real operating conditions, where:

• Industrial robots
• Automated guided vehicles AGVs
• Warehouse management systems WMS
• Manufacturing execution systems MES
• AI dashboards

are interconnected and running continuously.

Enterprises can observe, test, calculate ROI, and determine scaling pathways before committing capital.

This model shifts automation from concept to measurable decision-making.

From proven cases to local deployment

Global and regional cases demonstrate measurable outcomes:

• Foxconn in Bac Giang
• VinFast in Hai Phong
• A Gradion pilot project
• Samsung’s SME productivity programme in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Trade

These examples confirm that automation improves productivity, reduces cost, minimizes waste, and delivers return on investment.

With stricter global requirements on origin, environmental compliance, and operational efficiency, technology adoption becomes a strategic necessity.

Locating ACE in Binh Duong anchors transformation in factory reality.

Operator commitment

At the launch, Mr. Kien Nguyen, Head of Industrial Solutions at Gradion, stated:

“This marks an important milestone for us. Driving and supporting the automation journey of enterprises demonstrates Gradion’s long-term commitment to the advancement of automation in Vietnam. The ACE will serve as the first open-ecosystem platform, acting as a bridge between factories, robot suppliers, and technology partners to implement advanced solutions. Through this, we are also joining hands with the Government and businesses on the path toward more sustainable industrial development.”

ACE is structured as a bridge. Between policy and production. Between technology providers and factory operators.

Global partner ecosystem

ACE integrates technology partners including:

• KUKA
• OMRON
• TuskRobots
• SYNAOS
• Deltia

Solutions are not presented as isolated demonstrations. They operate together in a synchronized environment.

This allows manufacturers to experience system-level performance, avoid vendor lock-in, and evaluate interoperability under real conditions.

Global technology is localized and tested directly in Vietnam.

Bridging the talent gap

Automation requires multidisciplinary capability.

Engineers must combine mechanical expertise, electronics, data literacy, and system integration skills.

Talent scarcity remains a bottleneck.

ACE embeds training into its mission, supporting the development of engineers capable of implementing and scaling automation systems.

Binh Duong provides an industrial base for applied diffusion across electronics, machinery, textiles, wood, and logistics sectors.

A necessary starting point

ACE alone will not resolve all manufacturing challenges.

It establishes a structured starting point.

Resolution 57 defines ambition.
Industry 4.0 sets targets.

Execution requires platforms.

ACE represents one practical step in aligning national strategy with measurable industrial deployment.

Transformation will depend on steady, disciplined implementation.

Not isolated upgrades.
Not short-term initiatives.

Structured progress.