Economic Modernization in Vietnam From Industrialization to Innovation Stage

Abstract

Abstract. The paper explores the concept of modernization which is carried out in Vietnam from the middle of the 1990’s, its main tasks, methods and stages, influence of the experience of new industrial states of East Asia. Forms and results of this industrialization are revealed; features of this process in SRV in comparison with other known models are noted. Signs and degree of a maturity of an innovative component in the Vietnamese society, problems and transition prospects to “a knowledge based economy” are defined. New spheres, tasks, indicators of economic growth in current decade are characterized. In conclusion it is stressed that despite successes of “catching-up development” Vietnam continues to lag behind the advanced countries of the region and aspires to accelerate modernization process by changing character, rates and realms of development. Assuming world financial crisis in 2008-2011 as a driver to cardinally change main trends of progress, balance of forces and a situation in the world, the author tries to estimate, what placeVietnamwill occupy in the post-crisis era. Such possibility depends decisively on how fast and successfully the country will finish the process of industrialization and will pass to an innovative stage of development.

Keywords: Vietnam, modernization and industrialization, innovative system, information technologies (IT), scientific and technical progress.