Quang Ninh ranks 4th nationwide in 2026 Provincial Innovation Index (PII)

Scoring 55.24 points, Quang Ninh city has secured 4th place among 34 localities in the 2026 Provincial Innovation Index (PII), marking a meaningful milestone as the city steps into a renewed growth model defined by fresh aspirations and steadfast dedication.

On October 4, the Ministry of Science and Technology hosted a ceremony announcing the 2026 PII results in conjunction with National Innovation Day, held under the theme "Innovation: The driving force for societal development". Mr. Nguyen Van Cong, Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh People's Committee, attended the event representing the city.

According to the rankings, Quang Ninh follows top-three leaders Hanoi with 63.80 points, Ho Chi Minh City with 58.30 points, and Hai Phong with 56.33 points, while Bac Ninh ranks fifth with 50.96 points. Rounding out the top ten are Hue, Da Nang, Thai Nguyen, Tay Ninh, and Hung Yen.

The evaluation framework provides localities with clear insights into their innovative capacities, distinct advantages, and areas for continued enhancement in socio-economic development.

Beside its fourth-place overall standing, Quang Ninh claimed the nation's top rank in the infrastructure pillar and placed second in institutions, trailing only Da Nang and ranking ahead of Hai Phong. These two crucial input pillars reflect the foundational conditions supporting local innovation.

Quang Ninh also secured third place nationwide in the number of leading component indicators, claiming the top spot in 5 out of 52 metrics, following Hanoi with 18 and Ho Chi Minh City with 12. The five leading indicators for Quang Ninh include digital infrastructure, credit access for the private sector, investment projects within industrial clusters, OCOP products, and poverty reduction rates. This recognition highlights the city's multifaceted strengths spanning infrastructure, resource accessibility for private enterprises, product development, and positive social impact.

The 2026 PII comprises 52 component indicators divided into seven pillars. The five input pillars encompass institutions, human capital and research-development, infrastructure, market sophistication, and business sophistication. The two output pillars measure knowledge and technology outputs alongside socio-economic impacts. This comprehensive structure evaluates both the conditions driving innovation and the practical results achieved.

The data underpinning the index is drawn from authoritative sources. 40 of the 52 indicators rely on official statistical and administrative data published by central ministries and relevant organizations, while the remaining 12 are compiled and verified locally. The calculations for the 34 participating localities follow rigorous methodologies independently recognized by international experts since 2023.

Modeled closely after the framework of the Global Innovation Index (GII), the PII has been implemented nationwide since 2023. The index embraces a broad definition of innovation encompassing new or significantly improved products and processes, alongside novel applications of existing technologies and knowledge within organizations and enterprises.

For Quang Ninh, achieving a leading position in the 2026 PII holds practical significance as the city embarks on its new growth model. Recognized advantages in institutional governance, physical infrastructure, and digital connectivity provide a favorable foundation for accelerating technology adoption, enhancing administrative efficiency, and empowering businesses to innovate.

These findings also serve as a helpful guide for Quang Ninh's next steps. By turning investments in technology and innovation into real-world results, the city continues to realize its growth vision, creating a better quality of life for everyone.