Selection criteria for talent in the people's republic of China: Implications and recommendations for Vietnam
Keywords:
S&T Talent, S&T Talent attraction, Evaluation criteria, China, VietnamAbstract
The article not only compares policies but also focuses on an in-depth analysis of the talent evaluation criteria systems in China and Vietnam, with a particular emphasis on the quantitative, hierarchical, and flexible aspects of attracting Science and Technology (S&T) talent. This analysis aims to draw specific lessons for Vietnam in the context of global integration. In the face of global competition for S&T talent, China has established a system that classifies talent into three groups (A, B, C), accompanied by a quantitative scoring scale. This system encompasses both international academic achievements (such as major awards and publications in JCR Q1/Q2 journals) and practical contributions in enterprises and startups. The system is designed to ensure transparency, flexibility, and relevance to market demands and international standards. Conversely, Vietnam currently relies primarily on criteria based on applied achievements (such as inventions, awards, or startup projects). However, the current level of hierarchy/classification is unclear, the evaluation scoring scale is lacking, and the flexibility in implementation remains limited. Based on this comparison, the article proposes that Vietnam needs to diversify its evaluation criteria, implement classification and quantitative mechanisms, and improve its competitive incentive policies to attract talent, including overseas Vietnamese and international experts. China’s experience suggests that balancing high standards and feasibility is a crucial factor in a talent attraction strategy that serves S&T development and global integration.
Code: 25060201
Downloads
References
Chen, K., Guo, R., & Pei, R. (2022). Ten-year Development of China’s Science and Technology Talent Policies and Optimizing Approach for Sci-tech Self-reliance and Self-improvement. Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version), 37(5), 613-621.
Đinh Thái Quang. (2024). Kinh nghiệm về chính sách đào tạo, thu hút nhân tài của Trung Quốc. Tạp chí Phổ biến pháp luật, 343, 122-126.
European Commission. (2025). Choose Europe for Science: EU comes together to attract top research talent, European Commission. https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/news/all-research-and-innovation-news/choose-europe-science-eu-comes-together-attract-top-research-talent-2025-05-23_en.
Jakobson, L. (2007). China aims high in science and technology: An overview of the challenges ahead. Innovation with Chinese characteristics: high-tech research in China, 1-36.
Nam Anh. (2025). Tổng Bí thư Tô Lâm: Không có quốc gia nào trở thành hùng cường với một nền khoa học, công nghệ yếu kém. Tạp chí VnEconomy. https://vneconomy.vn/tong-bi-thu-to-lam-khong-co-quoc-gia-nao-tro-thanh-hung-cuong-voi-mot-nen-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-yeu-kem.htm.
OECD. (2008). The Global Competition for Talent: Mobility of the Highly Skilled, OECD Publishing.
SAIEP. (2018). Evaluation Criteria for Foreigners Employed in China, Shanghai Association for International Exchange of Personnel. https://saiep-paris.fr/en/talent-policy/70-announcement-en/182-evaluation-criteria-for-foreigners-employed-in-china.html.
Taichang, Z., & Yunle, W. (2024). Talent Competition Under the New Pattern of Sino-US Competition from the Perspective of International Relations. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 8(11), 2340-2352.
Wang, H., Miao, L., Wang, H., & Miao, L. (2019). China’s Talent Attraction Policies in the Present Age. China’s Domestic and International Migration Development, 169-184.
World Bank. (2021). Vietnam: Science, Technology and Innovation Report, World Bank.
Zhang, X., & Zhang, N. (2025). The complex impact of China’s science and technology talent policies on key core technologies R&D. PloS one, 20(5), 1-37.
Zweig, D. (2024). China’s Talent Programs: Lessons for the United States? , Written for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s “International Talent Programs in the Changing Global Environment” Consensus Study.
Zwetsloot, R. (2020). China’s approach to tech talent competition: Policies, results, and the developing global response. Global China, 1-19.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
