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Abstract
This study analyzes the role of human capital and research and development (R&D) in promoting innovation output at the provincial level in Vietnam. Using cross-sectional data from the 2024 Provincial Innovation Index (PII), the study applies a multivariate linear regression model to examine the impact of human capital and R&D on innovation outcomes. The results indicate that the density of full-time R&D personnel is the most influential factor in determining innovation performance. In contrast, variables reflecting public spending on education and R&D do not show statistically significant results in the model. The study also reveals substantial disparities among socio-economic regions, with areas such as the Northern Midlands and Mountains and the Central Coast exhibiting significantly lower innovation outputs compared to the Southeast region. This finding highlights the pressing need for region-specific innovation policies that aim to narrow development gaps and enhance R&D capacity in less developed localities. Overall, the research contributes to the literature on subnational innovation systems in Vietnam by highlighting the critical link between human capital development and regional innovation outcomes.
Keywords: Human capital; Innovation output; Provincial innovation index (PII); Research and development (R&D).