Vietnam's Economic Leap: Productivity, Innovation, and the Road to High Income Status

This book presents a groundbreaking roadmap for one of the world’s most dynamic economies at a historic crossroads: Vietnam. It traces the country’s remarkable transformation since the Doi Moi reforms—lifting millions out of poverty and sustaining rapid growth—while confronting the central question: how can Vietnam escape the middle-income trap? Drawing on rigorous analysis and international experience, the authors reveal the structural weaknesses of an FDI-led growth model, highlight the urgent need for productivity gains, and emphasize the pivotal role of domestic enterprise development, human capital, and innovation. They outline a comprehensive strategy that combines industrial upgrading, digital transformation, education reform, labor market dynamism, and effective management of demographic transitions. Essential reading for policymakers, scholars, investors, and development practitioners, this volume offers timely insights into Vietnam’s economics development and its bold ambition to achieve high-income status by 2045.