Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang, and Can Tho are the top 5 centrally-run localities in the 2023 Local Innovation Index (PII), released recently by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Cities and provinces at the top of the rankings all posted outstanding scores in terms of inventions, number of businesses, and socio-economic impact. Conversely, those towards the bottom of the rankings, which are mostly in the central highlands and northern mountains, still exhibit limitations in socio-economic development and have geographical locations and natural conditions that are not overly favorable for the development and application of science and technology and innovation needed in socio-economic development. Vietnam has decided upon a policy of transitioning to a growth and development model based on science and technology and innovation, but it is necessary to be able to quantify and identify specific targets to gain an overall picture for direction and management.