The Institute of Vietnam and World Economy (IVAWE) is a public research institution under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS), with a long-standing tradition in economic research and international economic studies. Throughout its development, alongside Vietnam's process of economic renovation and international integration, the Institute has continuously strengthened its position as one of the country's leading research organizations, providing scientific evidence and policy recommendations to support national economic development and international integration.

The Institute traces its origins to the economic research organizations established under the former Committee for Social Sciences of Vietnam during the early period of national reconstruction and economic development. Through successive organizational reforms and the expansion of its functions and responsibilities, the Institute gradually broadened its research scope from domestic economic issues to global and regional economic developments, international economic integration, and their implications for Vietnam. Building on decades of academic excellence, IWAVE takes pride in its enduring legacy of advancing knowledge, shaping public policy, and helping address the complex economic and global challenges that have influenced Vietnam's development over the years.

The present Vietnam Institute of Economics and World Affairs was established through the merger of the Vietnam Institute of Economics (founded on 6 February 1960) and the Institute of World Economics and Politics (founded on 9 September 1983). This merger marked an important milestone in the restructuring of research institutions under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences. More than a simple organizational consolidation, it brought together two distinguished research traditions to form an interdisciplinary institution with comprehensive expertise in both Vietnam's economy and the global economy, enabling it to respond more effectively to the country's development needs amid deepening international integration and rapidly changing global economic conditions.

Following its establishment, the Institute inherited and further developed the research strengths of its two predecessor institutions. From the Vietnam Institute of Economics, it built upon a solid foundation in macroeconomic analysis, institutional reform, economic growth models, enterprise development, structural transformation, and Vietnam's socioeconomic development. From the Institute of World Economics and Politics, it inherited extensive expertise in international and regional economics, international economic relations, geoeconomics, global governance, and emerging trends in the world economy. The integration of these complementary strengths has created a unique comparative advantage, enabling the Institute to examine Vietnam's development within the broader context of global economic and political transformations.

In recent years, in response to Vietnam's economic restructuring and deeper international integration, the Institute has expanded its research into a wide range of emerging fields, including digital transformation, the data economy, the green economy, the circular economy, energy transition, innovation, global supply chains and value chains, economic resilience, economic security, and sustainable development. The Institute's research findings have provided important scientific evidence for the formulation of Party and State policies, while also contributing to the development of national strategies, master plans, and socioeconomic development programs.

Alongside its research activities, the Institute has continuously strengthened cooperation with universities, research institutes, international organizations, and policy-making agencies both within Vietnam and abroad. Through international conferences, academic forums, and collaborative research projects, the Institute has enhanced its academic reputation while promoting the exchange of knowledge and international experience in support of Vietnam's development.