According to Decision No. 3502/QĐ-BCT of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, building the National Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering into a leading technology research and deployment organization in Vietnam, with regional and international prestige.

Building a Brand

In recent years, the National Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering (Ministry of Industry and Trade) has focused on advancing research in the design and manufacture of equipment in the mechanical engineering field; strengthening consultancy, design, technology transfer, and equipment line activities in industrial sectors such as: Cement, hydropower, thermal power, mineral mining and processing, automation, new and renewable energy…

At the same time, with a team of skilled and experienced experts and scientists, the Institute has effectively advised and consulted the Government on mechanisms and policies regarding the localization of the mechanical manufacturing sector.

Throughout its operations, the Institute identifies accountability as a paramount factor. Accountability also forms the foundation of the Institute's reputation with domestic and international partners. With this action-oriented motto, the Institute has achieved numerous successes in key industrial sectors.

Specifically, in hydropower, the Institute has mastered the design and manufacture of many important mechanical equipment items. Notably, thanks to the Institute's contributions, the Son La Hydropower Plant started generating electricity 3 years ahead of schedule, and the Lai Chau Hydropower Plant started 1 year earlier than planned. The success of these two projects has created more jobs for the domestic mechanical engineering sector with revenues of approximately VND 8,000 billion. 

Similarly, in thermal power, the Institute has mastered the design and manufacture of many equipment items that were previously the exclusive domain of foreign contractors, such as: Electrostatic precipitators, ash and slag disposal systems, coal handling systems… for thermal power plants: Vung Ang 1, Thai Binh 1, Song Hau 1, Nghi Son 2, Vung Ang 2… In many projects, the Institute has served as a subcontractor to foreign general contractors including corporations: Marubeni (Japan), Doosan and Hyundai (South Korea)...

Regarding bauxite, the National Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering won a bid and was selected by the Vietnam National Coal - Mineral Industries Group to act as consultant to the investor for the construction of the Tan Rai and Nhan Co Alumina Plants. In implementing these projects, the Institute hired over 10 world-leading experts in this field to work in Vietnam for nearly 10 years. To date, the Institute has mastered the plant design technology and can undertake the expansion as well as construction of new bauxite plants.

In automation technology, the Institute has researched, designed, and integrated many complex automation systems for hydropower plants, thermal power plants, automobiles, motorcycles, and warehouses at competitive prices compared to foreign contractors, helping investors significantly reduce costs and dependence on foreign companies.

Additionally, regarding the localization of equipment for nuclear power plants and the railway industry, the National Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering has early focused on research and human resource preparation to be ready to participate in nuclear power plant projects as well as the railway industry in Vietnam. Since 2006, the Institute has dispatched nearly 100 engineers with strong professional knowledge, language skills, and extensive experience to study abroad. At the same time, it collaborates with Japanese and South Korean enterprises in Vietnam to conduct research in the fields of nuclear power, electric vehicles, green transportation…

Policy Leverage

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued Decision No. 3502/QĐ-BCT approving the Development Strategy of the National Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering until 2035, with a vision to 2050. This Decision sets the goal of building the National Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering into a leading technology research and deployment organization in Vietnam, with regional and international prestige in the field of mechanical engineering and automation.

The Decision outlines several groups of solutions. Specifically, regarding science and technology solutions, focus on mastering source/core technologies, strengthening applied research, and developing traditional and new products. Participate in national key projects such as nuclear power, railways (high-speed, inter-regional, and urban railways), renewable energy, gas power, mineral mining and processing, and pumped-storage hydropower to approach and master technology in practice.

Develop domestic source/core technologies through state-level and ministry-level science and technology programs, innovation funds, and national programs for key mechanical products. Science and technology tasks must closely align with the practical requirements of production and the market, with high potential for transfer and application in production.

Establish specialized research and development centers in fields such as gas thermal power, renewable energy, railways, mineral mining and processing, automation and industrial robotics, and rare earths, to research and progressively master source technologies in these areas.

Furthermore, enhance simulation and testing capabilities by investing in laboratory systems, digital simulation centers, innovation and digital transformation centers, and specialized testing centers meeting international standards.

In the offshore wind power sector, build a domestic supply chain for foundations, turbine towers, and medium-sized blades; progressively localize, initially focusing on steel structure fabrication and assembly. In the gas power plant sector, invest in a gas turbine operation simulation center for training engineers; progressively manufacture auxiliary modules (piping systems, filters, electrical and control equipment) towards mastering plant technology.

In the railway industry sector, participate in high-speed or urban railway projects under a turnkey model with localization. In the mining and materials production sector, focus on researching and mastering line and equipment technology for mineral mining and deep processing (bauxite, rare earths), and equipment lines for cement and steel plants, including waste heat recovery power generation systems.

In the nuclear power plant sector, cooperate and transfer technology from capable and experienced international corporations to approach and master source/core technologies in this field…

Regarding institutional, policy, and financial solutions, Decision No. 3502/QĐ-BCT emphasizes special mechanisms. Accordingly, the National Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering is permitted to retain 100% of research funding from science and technology service contracts for reinvestment in research and development.

At the same time, establish the Institute's Technology Development Fund to invest in long-term, breakthrough topics and projects. Promote the autonomy mechanism under Decree 60/2021/NĐ-CP, combined with research orders from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and major domestic Corporations and General Corporations such as Vietnam National Energy and Industry Group, Vietnam Electricity Group, Vietnam National Coal - Mineral Industries Group, Vinfast, Vinspeed, Thaco… Mobilize socialized capital through joint ventures, partnerships with enterprises, and public-private partnership investments in research and product manufacturing.

Regarding infrastructure and equipment development solutions: Renovate and upgrade existing facilities, specialized design offices at the Institute's headquarters in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; deploy customer support service centers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

On the other hand, focusing resources on investing in a multi-purpose building that serves both as a workplace and a hub for research and testing centers is essential. The scale of the investment building has a total floor area of approximately 30,000 m².

Decision No. 3502/QĐ-BCT specifies focused investment in simulation systems, laboratories, and specialized testing centers of the National Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering to meet international standards, especially in emerging fields such as renewable energy, composite materials, and aerodynamics.

Source: Cong Thuong Newspaper