This chapter reviews the range of public activities the shape Viet Nam’s innovation system. It begins with a description of the system of governance and of its evolution over time. It then examines the main government institutions and their role in the innovation system in some detail. A particular focus is placed on institutions and procedures dedicated to the allocation of public RandD funding. The chapter concludes with an examination of selected policy tasks which are critical the innovation system’s further development. These include fostering policy learning, securing the availability of qualified human resources, enhancing the contribution of public research to innovation, promoting business RandD and innovation, providing supporting infrastructures to innovators and harnessing global opportunities.