A scientist studies at the laboratory of the Institute of Materials Science. — VNA/VNS Photo Diệu Thuý

HÀ NỘI — Minister Huỳnh Thành Đạt has assigned 14 targets and seven groups of tasks for units under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) to proactively implement the Government's action programme for innovation breakthroughs.

Resolution No 57-NQ/TW, on advancements in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation, was issued on December 22 last year by Party General Secretary Tô Lâm.

Minister Đạt said that the resolution was the equivalent of a call to action and command for all intellectuals, scientists and overseas Vietnamese, to participate in scientific research and apply new technologies and digital transformation.

Their job will be to develop productive forces, perfect production relations, improve labour productivity, national competitiveness and serve the country's socio-economic development.

The resolution applies directly to the latest elements of the era such as big data, artificial intelligence, blockchain, internet of things and controlled testing mechanism of new technologies aiming to promote the fastest, bringing new technology products and strategic technologies into all aspects of national life.

At the same time, it sets out drastic requirements in removing institutional barriers, as well as providing strong solutions to unleash the creativity of scientists and people.

Just 20 days after the first resolution was issued, the Government followed up promptly by issuing Resolution No 03/NQ-CP on the Government's action programme to realise Resolution 57.

MoST sets many important goals by 2030, such as the potential and level of science and technology and innovation reaching advanced levels in many important fields, among the leading groups in upper-middle-income countries. It details the level and capacity of technology and innovation of enterprises reaching above the world average, with some fields of science and technology reaching international levels.

Other targets include a rule that the proportion of high-tech product exports within the total value of goods should be more than 50 per cent. That funding for research and development reaches two per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) and that human resources for scientific research, technology development and innovation includes 12 people in every 10,000. 

The first group of tasks is to raise awareness, make breakthroughs in innovative thinking, determine strong political determination, resolutely lead and direct, create new momentum and new spirit in the whole society in developing science and technology, innovation and national digital transformation.

Within these, MoST will specify the tasks of digital transformation, science and technology development, and innovation in the annual work plans of agencies and organisations. It will strive to arrange an appropriate proportion of officials with expertise and experience in science and technology in the leadership team of each unit.

It will build a mass open online training platform to provide free knowledge on science and technology development, innovation, digital knowledge, skills and basic digital technology for people and businesses.

Along with that, the MoST urgently and resolutely perfects institutions, eliminates all ideas, concepts, and barriers that are hindering development and turns institutions into a competitive advantage in science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation.

Specifically, legal imperatives will involve amending the Law on Science and Technology 2013 and related laws, completing the Law on Technical Standards and Regulations to submit to the National Assembly for approval at the ninth session and completing the amended Law on Atomic Energy and the amended Law on Product and Goods Quality.

Regarding the task of increasing investment, completing infrastructure for science and technology, innovation and national digital transformation, the ministry will develop a national programme for strategic technology and industry development, including a project to develop a system of research and testing centres along with key national laboratories focusing on strategic technologies.

It will also set up a network connecting innovation centres and creative start-ups.

Developing and employing high-quality human resources and talents is also an important task. The department will develop a project to employ talents and high-quality human resources, especially leading experts in the field.

It will build a mechanism for scientists in public science and technology organisations to establish, operate or participate in technology development at domestic and foreign enterprises.

At the same time, the MoST also focuses on promoting digital transformation, application of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation in the political system, strengthening international cooperation in science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation.

With strong commitments from the Government, along with close coordination between ministries, sectors, businesses and people, the effective implementation of Resolution No 57 will be a solid foundation for Việt Nam to breakthrough and deeply integrate into the global knowledge economy. — VNS