HÀ NỘI — The Programme of Connecting Việt Nam Innovation Network 2018, which gathers hundreds of talented Vietnamese in the fields of science and technology, was launched in Hà Nội on Sunday. 

The event was jointly held by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Education and Training.

Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc led the dignitaries who attended. 

Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyễn Chí Dũng said that the ministry is working with relevant ministries and sectors to build a national strategy on industry 4.0, which comprises the establishment of innovation centres, and mobilisation of experts and scientists, he said, adding that the innovation network initiative has lured the participation of more than 100 overseas Vietnamese scientists so far. 

Overseas Vietnamese and domestic scientists will meet to exchange and share visions as well as strategies for scientific and technological development in the sectors that Việt Nam needs to accelerate in the coming time, Dũng said. 

Meanwhile, Minister of Science and Technology Chu Ngọc Anh said it is a competitive factor to promote the country’s growth quality. 

The opening ceremony was followed by a dialogue on connection of science and technology community, and policies on innovation network connection in Việt Nam. 

In a meeting on the same day with overseas Vietnamese talents in science and technology who returned home to attend Việt Nam’s innovation network programme from August 18-24, Phúc thanked the scientists for their interest in developing science and technology in their homeland. 

He has promised to create favourable conditions for overseas Vietnamese scientists to participate in scientific and technological projects at home so that they can contribute to the country’s socio-economic development. 

The Government leader stressed that Việt Nam’s business climate and competitive capacity had improved in recent years, and the Government had paid due attention to science and technology, considering it the key to enhancing labour productivity. 

The Industrial Revolution 4.0, which revolved around big data, open platforms, robotics and artificial intelligence, would open huge opportunities for Việt Nam to improve livelihoods and ensure national security, he said. 

“This is a good opportunity for Việt Nam to keep up with developed countries. There will be no progress without innovation,” he said.

Phúc asked the scientists to join hands to build e-governance in Việt Nam and help the Government to handle challenges that the fourth industrial revolution brings such as other social issues like labour, protection of children’s rights, citizen rights and cyber attacks, among others. 

The Government would focus on cooperation, investment, technology transfer and human resource training, and continue to develop an innovation eco-system to ensure that overseas Vietnamese scientists can contribute to the nation’s development, he said. 

“Your intelligence will flourish in our country, and make the nation move forward,” the PM said. 

Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Mai Tiến Dũng expressed his hope that the scientists would help move the country towards a modern and smart administrative system, serving the country’s development process. 

Pledging to accompany the Government in the era of industry 4.0, the scientists said they wanted to coordinate with domestic colleagues on specific projects and programmes. 

They recommended that more investments should be made in basic research to create a science-technology market. In addition, the Government was advised to build a favourable legal corridor for the digital economy, especially e-Government, as part of efforts to develop science and technology. 

More policies should be put in place to lure additional overseas Vietnamese intellects to devote their talents to the country, they said. — VNS