ASEAN Launches Ten-Year Science and Innovation Roadmap
The committee established a unified plan to accelerate research in AI and quantum computing through 2035.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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ASEAN member states met in Da Nang, Vietnam, on October 14-15 to coordinate the regional Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation for 2026-2035. The meeting established a framework for cooperation on emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Why it matters
The committee aims to align regional research priorities to foster a knowledge-based economy under the ASEAN Vision 2045. By integrating cross-border science policies, the initiative seeks to increase regional competitiveness in high-growth fields.
The committee activated five sub-committees to manage the 2026-2035 Plan of Action, which covers the strategic integration of AI and quantum research. This replaces the prior ad-hoc coordination model with a formal, decade-long regional roadmap.
The players
ASEAN
A regional intergovernmental organization representing ten Southeast Asian nations and focused on economic and technological integration.
Souksavath Sihapanya
The chair of the 90th ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation.
The details
The committee relies on a multi-tiered cooperation strategy where five specialized sub-committees divide technical oversight, ranging from artificial intelligence to cross-border innovation infrastructure. This structure enables member states to synchronize research priorities and standardized development metrics across disparate national ecosystems. The 90th meeting specifically evaluated progress on joint ASEAN-European Union technology initiatives and surveyed existing digital infrastructure like Da Nang’s Intelligent Operations Centre.
Timeline
October 14-15, 2026: The 90th ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation convened in Da Nang.
2026-2035: The active period for the newly discussed ASEAN Plan of Action.
The Tech Race
This development serves as the operational implementation phase for the long-term regional objectives defined by ASEAN Vision 2045. It marks a formal shift toward institutionalizing a unified research ecosystem to compete with established global innovation blocs.
While this meeting focused on high-level administrative policy, it dictates the funding and collaborative environment for research institutions across the region. Regional developers and startups should anticipate new joint-grant programs and technical standards emerging over the next nine years.
The takeaway
The committee has set a ten-year trajectory for harmonizing regional innovation policies through 2035. Stakeholders should monitor subsequent official disclosures regarding the Regional Programme for Science, Technology and Innovation on Artificial Intelligence for specific project implementation dates.
Further reading
For broader trends in regional research infrastructure, visit Quantum Computing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Brudirect.
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