Viet Nam: Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Report
The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents numerous opportunities to improve lives around the world. However, it also raises serious ethical concerns. AI systems can unintentionally reinforce social biases, contribute to environmental degradation, infringe on human rights, and lead to various other adverse consequences, often disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups and exacerbating existing inequalities.
In response to these challenges, 193 UNESCO Member States adopted the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI in 2021, establishing the first global standard to help countries harness the benefits of AI while mitigating its associated risks.
AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM)
To support the implementation of the Recommendation, UNESCO developed the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) — a diagnostic tool that assesses a country’s institutional and regulatory framework for responsible AI governance across five dimensions:
- Legal and regulatory
- Social and cultural
- Scientific and educational
- Economic
- Technical and infrastructural
By identifying gaps and priorities, RAM helps countries enhance policies, strengthen institutions, and build capacities to ensure ethical, inclusive, and sustainable AI development.
Implementation in Viet Nam
Viet Nam launched its RAM in August 2024 under the leadership and guidance of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST), with financial support from the European Commission Directorate-General for International Partnerships. The RAM coincided with Viet Nam’s most ambitious administrative reform to date, aimed at streamlining the state apparatus and restructuring national governance around the “Four Pillars” of innovation, international integration, legal reform, and a dynamic private sector.
The RAM was conducted by a multidisciplinary expert team drawn from policy research institutions and relevant government agencies. Strong public sector participation ensured government ownership of the process.
This Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) is supported by the European Union-funded project “Supporting Member States in Implementing UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI through Innovative Tools.”
