Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính (centre) visits a display of science and technology applied products. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

HÀ NỘI — Science, technology and innovation are endless resources and can come from the simplest ideas, the simplest people, regardless of gender, education level, age or social class.

That was the message from Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính at a ceremony to celebrate Việt Nam Science and Technology Day which was held on Wednesday in Hà Nội.

The PM applauded scientific breakthroughs such as research into anti-malaria drugs, infectious diseases, dermatology and surgical techniques, improving missiles and, more recently, building the Mỹ Thuận 2 Bridge over a longer, higher and wider scale.

He emphasised that science and technology must grow from practical solutions in order to give returns to the nation and the people, to protect and build a strong Việt Nam and ensure the people are happy and prosperous.

The PM said that the previous generations' passion for research and their commitment to science and technology had been handed down to the younger generation.

The future owners of the country, with patriotism and national pride in their hearts, with intelligence, courage and the desire to be self reliant, have a strong determination to make practical contributions to the country's scientific and technological development, he added.

But there are also limitations, inadequacies, difficulties and challenges which the country is facing, said the PM, particularly due to the impact of the fourth industrial revolution, with science and technology exploding into all fields and profoundly changing the world.

Successful lessons learned around the world, especially in South Korea, Japan, China, the US, Germany, and Finland show the greater role that science and technology can play in a nation's growth. 

The Party and the State have advocated for making, developing and applying science and technology as a top priority, one of the most important driving forces for socio-economic development, with work in this area top of the agenda across all sectors.

The PM said that science and technology were a very important driving force to promote growth, creating breakthroughs in productivity, quality, efficiency and competitive capacity, a vital factor as the country moves forward into the new era.

"Developing science and technology is a wise choice and should be given preference," he said.

PM Chính said the country needs to create the perfect conditions for science and technology development and enhance attraction and diversification of resources for science, technology and innovation.

The country should also encourage the private sector and businesses and strengthens public-private cooperation in training human resources for science and technology.

It will focus on developing the science and technology market to create breakthroughs in productivity, quality and efficiency; and implement outstanding policies for science and technology, including policies that favour, honour and reward people working for their passion. 

For businesses, the PM highlighted research, development, application of science and technology and innovation, as the most important drivers. 

Enterprises must have appropriate policies to attract respected Vietnamese scientists working in foreign countries to contribute to domestic science expansion and to make their research accessible to the world of advanced science and technology.

However scientists need to put national and ethnic interests first and be aware of their great responsibility for the country.

PM Chính emphasised that the country and the society were in dire need of scientists' commitment to successfully carry out their professional tasks. They will bring honour and pride to the people, the community and the country.

He believes that, with the solid traditions of the scientific community, those scientists will take the country along on the journey to overcome difficulties and challenges and promote patriotism and solidarity, putting in joint efforts to make more and more contributions to the cause of building the nation.

Việt Nam had around 3,800 innovative startups last year, of which 11 are valued at over US$100 million, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The country had 208 investment funds, 84 incubators and 35 business promotion organisations.

Việt Nam's global innovation index (GII) is continuously improving. Last year the country ranked 46 out of 132 countries, fourth in Southeast Asia and second in the group of 36 low to middle income economies. — VNS