Perspectives

Decisive and transparent to make breakthroughs in science, technology development and digital transformation

Associate Professor - Dr. NGUYEN NGOC SON, Standing Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, delegate of the National Assembly Delegation of Hai Duong province • December 30, 2024 05:27

The Politburo has just issued a resolution on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation with clear and comprehensive solutions. In particular, the establishment of a Central Steering Committee headed by General Secretary To Lam.

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nguyen-ngoc-son(1).jpg — Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Son, Standing Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, delegate of the National Assembly Delegation of Hai Duong province

On behalf of the Politburo, General Secretary To Lam signed and issued Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation.

General Secretary To Lam is Head of the Central Steering Committee on science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation development.

This Resolution is not only a strategy but also a strong commitment of the Party and State to make science, technology, innovation and digital transformation the main pillars of national development.

In fact, Vietnam's development of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation in recent times has not met expectations due to many reasons, both subjective and objective.

There are limitations in investment resources and human resources; inadequate management systems and policies; limitations in practical application; weak connection between research and production. Social psychology and cultural environment do not prioritize innovation, the "fear of mistakes" mentality is still common, leading to few breakthroughs.

Due to import dependence, Vietnam has not been proactive in developing core technology but mainly imports, leading to a lack of motivation to develop domestic technology.

Faced with these difficulties, Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW is a strong and highly strategic step, demonstrating Vietnam's determination to leverage technological power to promote economic development, enhance national competitiveness and integrate more deeply into the global value chain.

If deployed properly, this investment will be a new “growth engine” for Vietnam, making technology a key development focus in the next decade.

By 2030, the goal of entering the top 3 in Southeast Asia and the top 50 in the world in terms of digital competitiveness will help Vietnam attract more high-tech investment projects and become a regional technology research and production center.

To promote this policy in the context of a number of cadres "fearing responsibility, not daring to think, not daring to do", synchronous solutions are needed from thinking to specific actions.

First is to change the mindset, management culture, and encourage innovation. Build a political and social environment where managers and businesses feel safe to dare to think and dare to do. "Dare to think, dare to do" does not mean being arbitrary, but acting with a basis, based on research, data, and legal processes.

Regulations on liability exemption in the case of testing new technology and business models must be specified by law or decree, avoiding the situation of "oral instructions".

In some localities and specific fields, it is necessary to allow technology enterprises to test models under close supervision. From there, lessons can be drawn for replication.

Test results, both successes and failures, need to be widely published to promote transparency and build trust.

Along with that, pioneers need to be recognized, rewarded, protected and honored when they dare to innovate.

The State's monitoring capacity also needs to be enhanced with a team of officials who have a deep understanding of technology to conduct monitoring without causing hindrance, using technology to monitor and make trials transparent.

In cases of policy abuse for personal gain, there must be clear sanctions to prevent and handle.

Currently, many countries in the world have succeeded with a mechanism that allows businesses to test in a controlled environment before deploying on a large scale, which Vietnam can refer to, such as in Singapore, England, Sweden...